Statutory paid leave for parents whose child is undergoing cancer treatment

3,934
signatures
closedDepartment of Health and Social CareOpened 30 March 2026Closed 30 September 2026

Background

I’d like the Government to provide statutory paid leave, in the same way as maternity and paternity leave, for parents whose child is diagnosed with cancer and need to assist them with their care.

Additional details

A diagnosis of childhood cancer is extremely distressing and can turn a parent’s life upside down and redefine structure to daily life. Currently the Government assists with maternity leave to assist with maternal recovery and childhood bonding, and I would argue that a dying child deserves the same consideration for medical treatment, recovery and bonding. I feel work commitments and finances are making this untenable. The Government has already invested in covering travel costs from 2027.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.

Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 762232.