Day-one paternity and unpaid parental leave
Employment Rights Act 2025
What you need to know
Understanding the updates to Paternity Leave and Unpaid Parental Leave
What changed from 6th April 2026?
Since 6th April 2026, paternity leave and unpaid parental leave are day-one rights, with no minimum service requirement.
Why it matters?
New starters can request these rights immediately and treating them as service-dependent benefits risks complaints and claims.
What to consider
Update family leave policies and ensure managers handle requests consistently, regardless of length of service.
How to prepare for the changes
What action should employers take?
- Review your documentation – update contracts of employment and HR Policies to reflect the changes.
- Process changes– review pay systems to reflect the day one right.
How Hill HR can support you
As your outsourced HR partner, we can provide advice, guidance, policies and draft letters for you to send – ensuring everything is being done lawfully, correctly and sensitively.
A Practical Checklist for Business Owners
Use this checklist to get ready:
- Carry out an Audit: on how you record paternity leave and unpaid parental leave.
- Track leave taken: have a system in place to record the day one right.
