Current status: Answered by Jackson Carlaw (on behalf of the SPCB) on 9 April 2026
To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what progress has been made towards reviewing allowances for paternity and parental partner leave for all staff.
The SPCB is responsible for setting the minimum terms and conditions on which staff must be employed. The SPCB works in partnership with its recognised trade unions to agree terms and conditions for Scottish Parliamentary Service staff. Any changes to terms and conditions would have cost and productivity implications which the SPCB would require to consider.
MSPs may exercise discretion to offer terms and conditions in excess of these minimum terms and conditions, provided they are able to do so within their capped Staff Cost Provision. The SPCB is aware that MSPs and parliamentary groups have taken the opportunity to do so, particularly in respect of enhanced parental leave entitlements.
The SPCB is committed to meeting the different needs of colleagues and to delivering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. The SPCB will consider these matters further at the earliest opportunity in Session 7 and in doing so will work with MSPs, their staff and staff representatives, including MSP staff trade unions, to ensure that staff are employed on terms and conditions which are comparable with staff employed by Members of other UK legislatures.