As part of the Employment Rights Act 2025, new day one rights to Paternity Leave and Unpaid Parental Leave came into effect on 6 April 2026.
Employees can now give notice to take both Paternity Leave and Unpaid Parental Leave from their first day of employment. The changes also allow eligible fathers and partners to take Unpaid Parental Leave immediately after Paternity Leave.
For schools and multi-academy trusts, these changes may require updates to family leave policies, staff handbooks and HR procedures.