Tracey Brabin, Labour MP for Batley & Spen and Shadow Minister for Early Years, at PMQs today asked Theresa May about extending Shared Parental Leave to the self-employed.

In her question to the PM she states:

“As the Prime Minister will be aware, self-employed people are not eligible for shared parental leave. This places the burden of childcare on the mum, and denies fathers financial support and bonding time with the child.”

This really does encapsulate the main issues of our The Campaign for Parental Pay Equality and we thank Tracey for bringing this to the PMs attention. We are also pleased to note that Theresa May acknowledged this is an important issue and will look at the point made. Since the PM, as she herself points out, was the Minister for Women and Equalities when ShPP was introduced we are confident she already understands the importance of this policy.

See the question on Hansard here.