Potential implementation: April 2026

What is the position now?

Employees currently need to have worked for their employer for one year before they can take parental leave.

What is changing?

The government plans to remove this length-of-service requirement. Parental leave will be available from the first day of employment.

What does this mean for employers?

Employers should expect parental leave requests from new starters and make sure policies and managers reflect that there will no longer be a qualifying period.

As at Feb 26