Statutory paternity leave is a day-one right from 6 April 2026, but the service requirement remains in place for statutory paternity pay. Employers should make sure their practices reflect this and managers are aware of the change.
From 6 April 2026, the Employment Rights Act 2025 removes the three-day waiting period for eligibility for SSP. Employers no longer need to consider whether waiting days apply where the employee has intermittent pregnancy-related absence.
The statutory maternity pay rate increased on 5 April 2026. The examples in this guide on payment for keeping-in-touch days have been updated with the new rate.
The statutory adoption pay rate increased on 5 April 2026. The examples in this guide on payment for keeping-in-touch days have been updated with the new rate.
Various changes under the Employment Rights Act 2025 took effect on 6 April 2026. HR should begin planning for further reforms due to be introduced later in 2026.
Updated to reflect that the Maternity Leave, Adoption Leave and Shared Parental Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2024, which extend redundancy protection for pregnant employees and new parents, come into force on 6 April 2024.