Potential implementation: April 2026

What is the position now?

At present, employees must have worked for their employer for six months before they qualify for paternity leave.

What is changing?

The government plans to remove this waiting period. Paternity leave will become a day-one right, meaning employees will be entitled to take it as soon as they start their job.

What does this mean for employers?

Employers will need to be ready to support paternity leave requests from new starters and ensure managers understand that no minimum service will be required.

As at Feb 26