MP warns Government not to overlook self-employed in paternity pay review

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 05:59 · Archive

Tim Farron has urged the Government to ensure self-employed workers are protected in its review of statutory paternity pay and parental leave.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron has urged the Government to ensure self-employed workers are not left behind as ministers review statutory paternity pay and parental leave. Speaking during a Commons debate, Mr Farron welcomed the Government's review but highlighted the challenges facing families who work for themselves.

The Liberal Democrat MP said one in four people in his constituency are self-employed, including around 1,600 farmers. He argued it was vital that those families were protected by any future reforms. Mr Farron asked ministers how the review would ensure those who are self-employed, or employed by small businesses, are covered.

Responding, Social Security and Disability Minister Sir Stephen Timms said the Government's review of parental leave and pay is examining how working families can best be supported. He confirmed that self-employed parents are specifically included in its terms of reference.

The review is expected to report early next year and is considering statutory paternity pay alongside wider parental leave arrangements. Mr Farron's intervention reflects concerns across rural areas such as Cumbria, where large numbers of people are self-employed in sectors including farming, tourism and small business.

How it is being reported

• MP urges ministers to protect self-employed families in paternity pay reviewTim Farron urges ministers to protect self-employed families as Government reviews statutory paternity pay and parental leave, including Cumbria’s farmers.Cumberland News · 16 Oct, 05:00
• MP urges ministers to protect self-employed families in paternity pay reviewTim Farron urges ministers to protect self-employed families as Government reviews statutory paternity pay and parental leave, including Cumbria’s farmers.NW Evening Mail · 16 Oct, 05:00
• MP urges ministers to protect self-employed families in paternity pay reviewTim Farron urges ministers to protect self-employed families as Government reviews statutory paternity pay and parental leave, including Cumbria’s farmers.Whitehaven News · 16 Oct, 05:00
• MP urges ministers to protect self-employed families in paternity pay reviewTim Farron urges ministers to protect self-employed families as Government reviews statutory paternity pay and parental leave, including Cumbria’s farmers.Westmorland Gazette · 16 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Tim Farron · Sir Stephen Timms · Westmorland and Lonsdale · Cumbria

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