![[UK] Day-one parental leave rights from April 2026](http://gpa.net/cdn/shop/articles/bigstock-Happy-Young-Attractive-Mixed-R-32877494_0b0a01fb-e7bc-4ffa-bc0f-e7e270056b4f_1200x.jpg?v=1768881253)
In the UK, millions of workers previously denied time off for the birth of their child will become eligible for day one rights to parental leave from April, after ministers laid new regulations stemming from the Employment Rights Act 2025 before Parliament this week, Personnel Today reports.
The parental leave reforms include the right to take unpaid parental leave from the first day of a new job, meaning an additional 1.5 million parents will gain more flexibility to share caring responsibilities.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, commenting on these measures and changes to statutory sick pay (SSP), said, “For too long, working people were left without the basic rights and security they deserve. That ends now.
“The changes we’re bringing in will mean every new parent can properly take time off when they have a child, and no one is forced to work while ill just to make ends meet. This is about giving working families the support they need to balance work, health and the cost of living.
“We’re delivering a modern deal for workers. Stronger sick pay, parental leave from day one, and protections that put dignity back at the heart of work. Because when we respect and reward those who keep Britain running, we build a stronger economy for everyone.”
Each year, an additional 32,000 fathers will have immediate access to paternity leave.
The move is part of the government’s ongoing Parental Leave and Pay Review, launched in July 2025; an assessment of the whole maternity and paternity system to see how it can work better for parents and employers.
Business secretary Peter Kyle said, “No one should have to worry about whether they can take time off when their baby arrives, or lose pay simply because they’ve fallen ill.
“Our improvements to sick pay and parental leave are about giving workers and their families the security they deserve. They will ensure our drive for growth reaches everyone through providing secure, fair-paying jobs and giving support to people when they need it most.”
Source: Personnel Today
(Link and quotes via original reporting)
In the UK, millions of workers previously denied time off for the birth of their child will become eligible for day one rights to parental leave from April, after ministers laid new regulations stemming from the Employment Rights Act 2025 before Parliament this week, Personnel Today reports.
The parental leave reforms include the right to take unpaid parental leave from the first day of a new job, meaning an additional 1.5 million parents will gain more flexibility to share caring responsibilities.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, commenting on these measures and changes to statutory sick pay (SSP), said, “For too long, working people were left without the basic rights and security they deserve. That ends now.
“The changes we’re bringing in will mean every new parent can properly take time off when they have a child, and no one is forced to work while ill just to make ends meet. This is about giving working families the support they need to balance work, health and the cost of living.
“We’re delivering a modern deal for workers. Stronger sick pay, parental leave from day one, and protections that put dignity back at the heart of work. Because when we respect and reward those who keep Britain running, we build a stronger economy for everyone.”
Each year, an additional 32,000 fathers will have immediate access to paternity leave.
The move is part of the government’s ongoing Parental Leave and Pay Review, launched in July 2025; an assessment of the whole maternity and paternity system to see how it can work better for parents and employers.
Business secretary Peter Kyle said, “No one should have to worry about whether they can take time off when their baby arrives, or lose pay simply because they’ve fallen ill.
“Our improvements to sick pay and parental leave are about giving workers and their families the security they deserve. They will ensure our drive for growth reaches everyone through providing secure, fair-paying jobs and giving support to people when they need it most.”
Source: Personnel Today
(Link and quotes via original reporting)
