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Written question asked by Kate Osamor (Labour) on Monday, 20 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 22 April 2026. It was answered by Kate Dearden (Labour) on Tuesday, 28 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.


Maternity Leave: Diseases

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether the Parental Leave and Pay review is considering the ability for individuals with severe illness, such as cancer, to postpone maternity leave.

Answer

A cancer diagnosis is distressing at any stage of life, and especially for mothers on maternity leave, at a time that should be focused on recovery, bonding and family life.

The Department of Health and Social Care’s National Cancer Plan sets out how people with cancer, including pregnant and postnatal women, are supported before, during and after treatment, including supporting mothers to stay in work.

Alongside this, the Parental Leave and Pay Review is examining how maternity leave and the wider parental leave and pay system can better support working families. The Review will report in early 2027.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
128243
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Diseases Maternity leave Parental pay
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk