From April 6, 2026, under the Labour Party government, paternity leave will become a ‘day one right’.
From April 6, 2026, under the Labour Party government, paternity leave will become a ‘day one right’.
New employment law changes are coming in April 2026 – with a new change for paternity leavers. From April 6, 2026, under the Labour Party government, paternity leave will become a ‘day one right’.
It will someone to give notice of leave from the first day of employment – currently someone must have worked for their employer for 26 weeks. Ordinary parental leave, or unpaid parental leave, will also become a day one right.
As it stands, currently someone must have worked for their employer for 1 year to be eligible. The restriction on taking paternity leave after shared parental leave will be removed, too.
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And eligible fathers and partners will be able to take up to 52 weeks of unpaid bereaved partner’s paternity leave if the mother or primary adopter dies – they must take this leave within 52 weeks of the child’s birth (including surrogacy), adoption placement, or entry to Great Britain for overseas adoptions.
Note that bereaved partner’s paternity leave is separate legislation. Aaron Horsey, campaigner for Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave, said: “Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave ensures that new parents and their employers have a clear route for support at one of the most difficult moments imaginable.
“It gives them the time and space they need to grieve, care, and begin to rebuild their lives with dignity.
“By embedding this protection in law, it shows how listening to lived experience can lead to practical, compassionate change that will support families for generations to come.”
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “The Employment Rights Act will deliver vital common-sense reforms for millions of people across the country – including sick pay for all workers and better leave for parents.
“Britain will now be brought into line with other countries where workers already have better protections. And crucially, the legislation will give working people the higher living standards and secure incomes that are needed to build a decent life.
“Good employers will also welcome these changes – the Act protects them from competitors whose business models are built on low-paid, insecure employment.”
