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Parent power: parents are prepared to use their vote for a better deal

Published: 25 Mar 2024

Parents supporting their baby daughter while she is learning to walk at home

Our recent polling has found that the voice of parents could be crucial at the next general election. A survey of 1,285 parents of children under 18 who live in marginal seats showed that parents are willing to use their vote to improve the lives of parents. Almost three quarters (73%) are calling for the government to introduce policy reforms around parental leave and pay, and over two thirds (67%) said they’d be more likely to vote for a candidate or party that promised better leave and entitlements for new parents. 

Support during the first year   

There appears to be a consensus among those surveyed that support for parents in the first year of their baby’s life is crucial, with 9 in 10 feeling it is important for new fathers and partners to take time off to care for their baby during this time. Almost two thirds (64%) felt that the current two-week offering of statutory paternity leave is not enough. 

Additionally, two-thirds (65%) felt that the statutory maternity/paternity pay of £172.48 per week is not adequate. Which explains why the majority (55%) felt that, if paternity leave were to be reformed, increasing pay should be the priority, compared to 36% of respondents who would prioritise a longer period of paternity leave. And almost 9 in 10 (88%) felt that there shouldn’t be a disparity when it comes to self-employed fathers, who currently have no entitlement. 

Echoed was the need for better maternity leave and pay. Four in 10 parents wanted to see more paid weeks of parental leave for new mothers, and to see the statutory rate of maternity pay increased.  

A joint effort   

An overwhelming majority of parents wanted to see more action from the government. Eight in 10 parents felt the government should do more to support new families balance work and childcare during a baby’s first year. Over half (52%) proposed that new parents should be entitled to 12 weeks of government funded leave during this period. 

But there is also an expectation that employers have a role to play in stepping up and offering more support to new parents. Eight out of 10 parents believe that employers should do more to enhance parental leave and pay for new parents. 

A clear message 

The resounding message from parents is that they want a more compassionate system that supports their family’s needs, enabling them to take the time they need with their new baby. And, with two thirds of parents in critical marginal seats preparing to vote for candidates or parties that are in line with their thinking around parental leave reform, political parties should be taking note.