“We are proud to support Maternity Action's new action plan, which strengthens our call to Government to better support all parents, particularly those who are self-employed”. Photo: Shutterstock.
As the UK marks 50 years since maternity pay and leave were first introduced in law, a coalition of trade unions and voluntary sector organisations is urging the Government to deliver a comprehensive overhaul of the parental pay and leave system.
With the Government’s long-anticipated parental leave review and further consultations expected under the Employment Rights Bill, this moment presents a historic opportunity to deliver meaningful reform for pregnant women, new parents, and their families.
Open letter and action plan
The Alliance, convened by charity and MU partner Maternity Action, has issued an open letter to the Business and Trade Secretary, co-signed by trade unions including the TUC, Unite, NEU, GMB and RMT, alongside leading civil society organisations such as the Fawcett Society, Women’s Budget Group, and Working Families.
In addition to the letter, the Alliance has launched a three-point action plan, calling on the Government to:
- Increase the level of, and improve access to, maternity and parental pay for all working people
- Make flexible working the default
- Enable more equal parenting by reforming maternity and parental leave.
The MU is proud to support the new action plan
John Shortell, MU Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, said: “We are proud to support Maternity Action's new action plan, which strengthens our call to Government to better support all parents, particularly those who are self-employed. We know that musicians face many barriers as parents due to limited statutory provisions and mechanisms that don't suit the nature of musicians' working lives."
Read the full action plan and the open letter.