Bereaved parental leave: UK fathers gain new rights

Published: 12 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Aaron Horsey has welcomed the new bereaved parental leave rights, giving fathers essential support after losing a partner during childbirth. Horsey, whose wife Bernadette died giving birth at Royal Derby hospital, said the reforms meant grieving parents now have a clear pathway to care for their newborns. Previously, Horsey, a clinical trial manager, could not access paternity leave as he had worked less than nine months, leaving him struggling with full-time care responsibilities. These new rights for bereaved fathers, included in the government’s employment reforms, ensure that no parent faces the same limitations he endured.

The legislation, part of Labour’s Employment Rights Bill, introduces day-one access to paternity leave and paid parental leave for all eligible workers. It will allow bereaved fathers up to 52 weeks of leave if they lose their partner before their child’s first birthday. The government confirmed the reforms would come into effect from April, securing cross-party support after concessions were made in the House of Lords. The law’s passage reflects a growing recognition of the emotional and practical challenges faced by bereaved parents.

Horsey’s campaign began shortly after his wife’s death when he spoke to his MP while caring for his three-week-old son. The discussion led to the Paternity Leave (Bereavement) Act, later introduced by Chris Elmore, Labour MP for Bridgend, as a private member’s bill. Horsey described the legislative journey as emotional, noting, “I’m proud something positive has come from a very difficult time. Other parents can now access support without delay, and that is hugely reassuring.”

Under the new Employment Rights Act 2025, which amends the 1996 act, approximately 32,000 additional fathers each year will gain immediate access to paternity leave. However, some campaigners highlighted that statutory pay on day one is still not guaranteed, sparking calls for further improvements. Despite this, the reforms represent a significant step forward for family rights and workplace equality.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised that these changes allow parents to prioritise their health and their child’s wellbeing without financial pressure. “This is about giving working families the support they need to balance work, health, and the cost of living,” Starmer stated. The Trades Union Congress also praised the act, noting it delivers vital reforms for workers, including enhanced sick pay and parental leave, aligning Britain with international best practices.

Horsey reflected on the personal impact of the legislation, saying he would explain to his son, Tim, that challenges may seem impossible but determination can bring meaningful change. He added that Bernadette, who valued fairness and kindness, would likely be proud that their loss helped secure protections for other families. Although the law currently applies to England, Scotland, and Wales, Horsey hopes Northern Ireland will adopt similar measures in the future, ensuring all bereaved parents in Great Britain can benefit.

The bereaved parental leave reforms mark a historic moment for UK employment law, recognising that parental rights must extend beyond traditional circumstances. By addressing a previously overlooked group, the legislation ensures grieving fathers receive the support and time required to nurture their newborns, highlighting a societal shift toward compassion in the workplace. Families affected by bereavement can now access clear guidance on leave entitlements, reducing stress and ensuring that emotional care is prioritised alongside professional responsibilities.

Experts in employment law have noted that these changes may set a precedent for other workplace protections, signalling a move toward more inclusive policies that account for extraordinary personal circumstances. Campaigners hope this will encourage organisations to adopt wider measures, such as flexible working arrangements and enhanced bereavement benefits, reflecting the evolving needs of modern families.

For Horsey, the journey from personal tragedy to legislative success serves as a reminder that advocacy can produce lasting impact. He urges other parents and employees to engage with policy discussions, stressing that change often requires persistence and collective action. As Britain implements these new parental leave rights, bereaved fathers and partners gain not only statutory protection but also recognition of their vital role in early child care.

The enactment of the Paternity Leave (Bereavement) Act represents a milestone in UK family law, ensuring that future generations of fathers can navigate bereavement without facing bureaucratic barriers. Horsey’s experience demonstrates the potential for individual stories to drive systemic change, transforming painful experiences into lasting societal benefits. With the law now in place, bereaved parents are empowered to focus on their families while maintaining employment security, reflecting a compassionate approach to workplace policy that prioritises wellbeing alongside economic participation.

The introduction of these bereaved parental leave rights is widely regarded as a landmark development, promoting fairness, inclusivity, and emotional support within UK workplaces. By codifying the right to extended leave, the government has acknowledged the complexities of parental bereavement, paving the way for future reforms that further strengthen protections for families experiencing loss. The changes set a new standard for employee care, emphasising that legislative measures can meaningfully improve the lives of citizens while reflecting societal values of empathy and responsibility.

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