Day 1 Right to Paternity and Unpaid Parental Leave 

The Act introduces day-one rights to paternity leave and parental leave, bringing them into line with other family leave rights such as maternity, adoption and neonatal care. As with statutory sick pay, the right comes into force on 6 April 2026, to tie in with the date when increases in the rate of statutory paternity pay take effect. However, parental leave (which is different from shared parental leave) remains unpaid. Employees that are newly eligible under day-one rights to paternity and unpaid parental leave have been able to give notice of their leave since 18 February 2026. 

 

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