From 6 April 2026, fathers and partners will no longer need to demonstrate six months of service to qualify for paternity leave. This entitlement becomes a day-one right within the company. However, this leave will be unpaid, as will the new extended leave granted to partners in the event of the mother's death following childbirth.
This measure was a key pledge made by the Labour Party during the 2024 general election campaign. Fathers and partners will no longer be subject to seniority conditions to access paternity leave. This requirement is being abolished for births and adoptions scheduled from 6 April 2026. The right to paternity leave thus becomes a day-one right, aligning it with maternity leave.
Unpaid paternity leave
Unless more favourable measures are provided by the employer, this leave will remain unpaid. The el
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Article authors
Nathalie Tran
Editor-in-Chief Mind HR