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Written question asked by Barry Sheerman (Labour) on Friday, 6 October 2017, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 10 October 2017. It was answered by Margot James (Conservative) on Monday, 16 October 2017 on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Adoption: Self-employed

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of extending statutory adoption leave to the self-employed.

Answer

In contrast to employees, self-employed adopters do not need a statutory entitlement to adoption leave as they are able to decide themselves how much time off work they take and when.

Local Authorities may make a payment equivalent to Maternity Allowance in cases where adopters do not qualify for family related statutory pay because they are self-employed. This payment is discretionary and means-tested to ensure that resources are targeted at those adopters who need it most and is part of a package of post-adoption support.

Since 2010, we have taken significant steps to equalise the state benefits provided to the employed and self-employed, including giving the self-employed access to the full rate of the new State Pension for the first time, (worth up to £1,800/year more).

We continue to keep all differences in treatment between self-employed and employed people under review.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
105717
Session
2017-19
Related items
Adoption: Self-employed
Monday, 23 April 2018
Written questions
House of Commons
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Adoption Leave Self-employed
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk