Access the guidance and resources you need to manage new day-one rights to paternity and unpaid parental leave requirements under the Employment Rights Act 2025
The Employment Rights Act 2025 will introduce a range of changes to paternity and unpaid parental leave. These changes will impact on policies and processes, and this page brings together the resources and information you need to understand what’s changing, when it’s happening, and how to comply with the changes.
This page also provides members with a checklist to support business' preparation for Bereaved Partner's Paternity Leave. This new right is also available from day one of employment from 6 April 2026. While this entitlement does not fall within the scope of the Employment Rights Act 2025, this resource is designed to support members who are managing the wider wave of ERA changes taking effect on the same date.
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Explore resources to help you understand the UK law surrounding paternity leave and unpaid parental leave.
Please note, these resources outline the current legislation that governs paternity leave and unpaid parental leave and should still be followed until any changes come into force (expected dates are outlined on the Employment Rights Act 2025 tracker). We will update the content once any changes are enforced.
Maternity, paternity and adoption rights
Factsheet on maternity, paternity and adoption rights
Guidance to help HR practitioners manage family leave in their organisation
Guidance to help HR practitioners manage family leave in their organisation
Overview of current legal requirements relating to paternity, parental and other family leave
Employment law information surrounding maternity, paternity leave and unpaid parental leave
Advice on how managers can manage family leave
Guidance on family leave for people managersPlease note: While every care has been taken in compiling this content, CIPD cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. These notes are not intended to be a substitute for specific legal advice.
Use the tracker to keep up to date with latest timeline and developments
Claire McCartney, Policy & Practice Manager at the CIPD, explores upcoming changes to parental bereavement leave and pregnancy loss leave provisions, and what members are telling us.
Legality of sanctioning workers who strike
An introduction to trade unions and how to work with them effectively
Understand the impact the introduction of the Fair Work Agency will have on your practice
A round up of the year's statutory rates, including compensation limits, family friendly payments, statutory sick pay, minimum wage, disclosure and barring fees and National Insurance contribution
Keep up to date with the latest employment law developments and proposed future changes
An overview of the main differences in employment law between Northern Ireland and Great Britain (made up of England, Scotland and Wales)