UK to get new parental leave rights from April
Millions of workers who were previously denied time off for the birth of their child will become eligible for new day-one rights to parental leave from April.
The changes, which stem from the recently passed Employment Rights Act, will see parents no longer be forced to make the heart-wrenching choice between being there for the first weeks of their child’s life or going back to work to avoid losing their job.
An additional 32,000 more dads per year will be able to access Paternity Leave immediately, as a mother would with maternity leave.
Around 390,000 people are estimated to be out of work due to caring responsibilities but want a job, including parents. The reforms to parental leave include the right to take Unpaid Parental Leave from the first day in a new job, giving a further 1.5 million parents more flexibility to share caring responsibilities.
If even 1% of those out of work were able to take up a part-time job as a result of this move, it could boost economic output by around £150m a year.
The government is also bringing in changes to ensure up to 1.3 million additional workers in lower-paid or part-time roles are able to access Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and make sure everyone can access it from the first day of illness.
This is a substantial shift from the former three-day wait for SSP to kick in, which left people working whilst ill risking increased long-term sickness, one of the key factors draining British businesses and the wider economy.
“For too long, working people were left without the basic rights and security they deserve. That ends now,” said Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“The changes we’re bringing in will mean every new parent can properly take time off when they have a child, and no one is forced to work while ill just to make ends meet. This is about giving working families the support they need to balance work, health and the cost of living.
“We’re delivering a modern deal for workers. Stronger sick pay, parental leave from day one, and protections that put dignity back at the heart of work. Because when we respect and reward those who keep Britain running, we build a stronger economy for everyone.”
