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Children's commissioner calls for 12 weeks of paid leave for parents of seriously ill children

Dame Rachel de Souza urges the government to establish statutory paid leave as a national consultation on family support closes.

Updated Aug 31, 2026 · 05:24 UTC1 reports

The short version

  • Children's commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza proposed introducing a statutory right to 12 weeks of paid leave at 90% of normal salary for parents of seriously ill or disabled children.
  • The proposal includes expanding unpaid carer's leave from five to 10 days, introducing paid carer's leave, and establishing a legal right to return to work after extended absence.
  • The recommendation coincides with the conclusion of a government consultation regarding employment rights and financial assistance for families in England, Scotland, and Wales.

Key facts

  • Dame Rachel de Souza recommended a legal entitlement to 12 weeks of statutory leave paid at 90% of normal earnings for parents caring for seriously ill or disabled children.[BBC News]
  • The commissioner advocated for doubling statutory unpaid carer's leave from five days to 10 days annually.[BBC News]
  • The proposal aligns with advocacy by Frances and Ceri Menai-Davis following the death of their six-year-old son from cancer in 2021.[BBC News]
  • A public consultation on reforms for families and carers across England, Scotland, and Wales closes on Monday.[BBC News]
  • Minister for the Future of Work Kate Dearden stated the government will review feedback to determine how to enhance family support and workforce rights.[BBC News]

What remains uncertain

  • It remains uncertain whether the government will adopt the commissioner's recommendations or introduce specific legislation into parliament.[BBC News]

Sources