General Election 2024 | Could parental leave reforms help decide votes in marginal constituencies?

Nearly three quarters of working parents think the next Government should introduce reforms which improve parents’ leave and/or pay entitlements.

With general election campaigning now well underway, the poll by Working Families on behalf of the Families and Work Group, was designed to understand the views of parents living in marginal constituencies in England and Wales.

The results indicate that political parties that opt to introduce better leave and entitlements could well encourage voters to vote for them, with 67% of respondents feeling more inclined to vote for candidates or parties that include this in their manifesto.

There is a resounding call for better pay and parental leave amongst the respondents; 73% of those polled said the next government should introduce reforms which improve parents’ leave and/or pay entitlements, and 84% of respondents said that the government should do more to support new families to balance work and childcare over a baby’s first year.