Flexibility UK firms must prepare now for rise in parental leave requests New Employment Rights Act measures end qualifying periods, extend paternity leave, and introduce protections for bereaved partners iStock.com/Rawpixel Image John van der Luit-Drummond Editor-in-Chief Tuesday 13 January 2026 Millions of UK workers who were previously denied time off following the birth of a new child will gain new day-one rights to parental leave from April, under new measures issued on Monday&nb Get AccessContinue reading International Employment LawyerAlready have access? Login now Email Enter your email address. Password Enter the password that accompanies your email address. Reset your passwordLog in Need access? Find out how to enjoy unlimited accessGet access You might also like... Discrimination Japan’s fathers feel “awkward” returning from parental leave Wellbeing Lack of work-life balance leading to “parental guilt”, study finds Benefits South African ruling transforms parental leave rules Family leave Australia boosts parental-leave protections for grieving parents