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Review of Parental Leave

A review of all parental leave and pay entitlements - including maternity, paternity and shared parental leave – has been launched by the government.

This is expected to take 18 months to complete.

Terms of reference

The terms of reference for the review outline how parental leave entitlements have grown incrementally over time meaning the various rights do not operate as a single system and have no overarching set of objectives.

The government see this review as an opportunity to reset their approach and understanding of the current system.

Current entitlements

Current entitlements, subject to meeting eligibility criteria, include:

  • Maternity leave and pay
  • Paternity leave and pay
  • Adoption leave and pay
  • Shared parental leave and pay
  • Parental bereavement leave and pay
  • Parental leave (unpaid)
  • Neonatal care leave and pay

Employment Rights Bill

This review is in addition to changes to the parental leave system being delivered through the Employment Rights Bill (the Bill).

The Bill proposes changes to existing parental leave, for example, by making paternity leave and parental leave a day 1 right.

The Bill will also introduce new entitlements, including: -

  • Bereaved partner’s paternity leave - leave for bereaved fathers or partners where a child’s mother dies. This is expected to come into force in 2026.
  • bereavement leave for pregnancy loss suffered before 24 weeks gestation - this is expected to come into force in 2027.

Call for evidence

There is an initial call for evidence, seeking views on parental leave and pay, information can be found on gov.uk at Parental leave and pay review: call for evidence - GOV.UK.  This will close on 26 August 2025.

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For more information, call us on 0370 840 0234 or email us at [email protected]

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