Is paternity leave a day-one right in the UK?

Yes. Since 6 April 2026, eligible employees in England, Scotland and Wales can take one or two weeks of statutory paternity leave from their first day of employment. Statutory Paternity Pay still has a continuous service requirement, so a new joiner may be entitled to the leave but not the statutory pay.

When does statutory bereavement leave start?

The government plans to introduce it in April 2027. It will be a day-one right to up to two weeks of unpaid leave, taken within 56 weeks of the loss, and it will cover pregnancy loss before 24 weeks. It is not in force yet.

Does the Employment Rights Act 2025 change maternity pay?

No. The Act does not change statutory maternity, paternity or shared parental pay rates. It does plan stronger dismissal protection for pregnant women and new mothers from 2027, but the details depend on a government consultation response that had not been published as at October 2026.

When do the flexible working changes take effect?

The government's consultation response says autumn 2027. From then, employers will only be able to refuse a request where it is reasonable, must give business reasons and must meet the employee before rejecting it. The day-one right to request, introduced in April 2024, is unchanged.

Do the changes apply in Northern Ireland?

No. The Employment Rights Act 2025 family leave changes covered here apply in England, Scotland and Wales. Parental leave law is devolved in Northern Ireland, so employers there should follow NI-specific guidance.

Employment Rights Act 2025: Family-Friendly Changes for Employers

Posted on: October 16, 2026, by

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