EMPLOYMENT LAW CHANGES
DAY ONE RIGHTS FOR:
- PARENTAL LEAVE
- PATERNITY LEAVE
FROM APRIL 2026
Section 15 of the new Employment Rights Act 2025 removes the one-year qualifying period for unpaid parental leave, extending it to all employees as a day-one right. Section 16 similarly eliminates the 26-week qualifying period for paternity leave. However, the statutory paternity pay requirements remain unchanged with their existing conditions including a 26-week qualifying period of employment.
The government estimates the changes will enable an additional 32,000 fathers to access paternity leave, while approximately 1.5 million working parents will gain access to parental leave arrangements, providing greater flexibility for childcare responsibilities.
Managing Partner / Solicitor
Jennifer Carpenter became Managing Partner of the firm in January 2014. She was appointed as a Partner in January 2005, having qualified as a solicitor in 2000. She is head of our Dispute Resolution/Litigation department. Jennifer is also the person responsible for the quality of all the services we provide to clients, and the person who will deal with any complaints. She is also our Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration (COFA).
