Dusan Petkovic/Shutterstock When Labour won the 2024 general election, parental leave reform was one of its promises to working families. The manifesto committed to reviewing the parental leave system within the first year of government and making parental leave a right from the first day of employment. The Employment Rights Act 2025 has delivered on these commitments. From April 6, 2026, paternity leave and unpaid parental leave became day-one rights, removing longstanding service qualifying pe