From 6 April 2026, the Employment Rights Act 2025 enables eligible employees to access Statutory Paternity Leave and unpaid parental leave from day one of employment, removing long-standing qualifying service thresholds. 

While Statutory Paternity Pay rules remain unchanged, the reforms substantially increase the number of employees eligible to take leave, with government estimates suggesting around 30,000 more people eligible for paternity leave and 1.5 million for parental leave.

Watch this webinar to explore expert and practical insights on incoming family leave reforms, and the implications people professionals and employers must prepare for. 

This webinar was recorded on 26 February 2026. You can monitor any future Make Work Pay plan changes on our dedicated tracker

Claire McCartney, Senior Policy and Practice Adviser at the CIPD, explores the workplace implications of upcoming family leave reforms. Drawing on current policy developments, she outlines practical steps for employers to update policies, support line managers and strengthen flexible, inclusive support for working parents returning to and balancing work.

Impact on people professionals - preparing for parental and unpaid paternity leave reforms

To continue reading, log in or become a member

Affiliate membership offers instant access to CIPD resources without the need for assessments or study, or explore your options to become a professional member of the CIPD to demonstrate your commitment to the world of work.

  • Access to exclusive, up-to-date resources
  • Become part of a community to learn, debate and connect with other people professionals
  • Free access to a series of CIPD learning courses and a discount on the rest of our catalogue
  • Webinar

    Empowering workplaces by championing women's health and reproductive health

    Watch our webinar to explore how organisations can create a work environment that supports employees throughout their career including in menopause and fertility challenges as well as with their menstrual health.

    Register now
  • See all webinars