Removal of qualifying period for paternity leave and ordinary parental leave

Implementation date: 6 April 2026

The Employment Rights Act 2025 removes the qualifying periods of employment for paternity leave and ordinary parental leave, making them day-one rights.

In the case of paternity leave, the qualifying service requirement will no longer apply where the child's expected week of childbirth is on or after 5 April 2026, or where the child is born or placed for adoption on or after 6 April 2026. Under transitional arrangements, notice can be given at any time from 18 February 2026.

For ordinary parental leave, the day-one right applies from 6 April 2026 onwards.