University of Lincoln research drives push for UK parental leave reforms

Researchers from the University of Lincoln presented evidence to MPs and peers during Evidence Week in Parliament, urging reforms to the United Kingdom's parental leave system. They called for higher statutory pay, dedicated leave for fathers and partners, broader eligibility for self‑employed and precarious workers, and a simpler, more accessible leave framework. The team highlighted how the current system affects parents, children’s wellbeing, gender equality and economic participation, and urged a policy review to reflect modern family needs.

Separately, legal scholar Adam Webster argued that Britain must rethink the balance between work, care and family life, noting the recent emergence of the “school run” in the late 1990s as a symptom of changing societal expectations. He emphasized the broader need for policy changes that support families beyond parental leave alone.