Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza says parents of seriously ill children should be given paid time off, arguing they currently face pressure to choose between supporting their children and maintaining employment.
De Souza is calling for 12 weeks of paid parental leave each year for mums and dads whose children are seriously ill. BBC News reports the commissioner backs broader support for parents and carers, while The Mirror emphasizes the potential impact on families, highlighting that the current situation can force an unwanted decision between caregiving and work.
The outlets agree on the core proposal and rationale: parents and carers need additional financial and employment support when a child’s condition is severe. Both reports frame the request as part of addressing gaps in how families cope during serious illness, with the commissioner urging government action to provide paid leave.
