DWP’s New Rule Could Open Paternity Leave Doors for 30,000 Fathers

Thousands of fathers could soon gain access to paternity leave as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) unveils plans for a significant reform of workers' rights. The Government's Employment Rights Bill, which returned to Parliament this week, aims to bolster productivity by supporting employers, employees, and unions alike.

On Monday, an impact assessment was released detailing how these changes could enhance working life across the UK. The reforms are set to undergo consultation next year, with estimates suggesting that 10 million employees could benefit, including 30,000 fathers and partners who previously did not qualify for paternity leave.

Paternity Leave Eligibility Changes

The DWP's proposal aims to assist families by extending paternity leave eligibility to an additional 30,000 fathers or partners, as well as expanding the right to unpaid parental leave to 1.5 million workers.

Currently, fathers in the UK can only receive paternity pay if they have been employed continuously for at least 26 weeks up to the “qualifying week,” which is the 15th week before the expected birth. This policy varies for adoptive parents.

As it stands, self-employed individuals, agency workers, casual employees, and those on zero-hours contracts are generally excluded from receiving paternity leave and statutory paternity pay. Additionally, fathers with insufficient earnings may also find themselves ineligible.

Additional Reforms in the Employment Rights Bill

The Employment Rights Bill, also known as Make Work Pay, encompasses more than just paternity leave. It proposes changes to statutory sick pay and seeks to address the issues associated with zero-hours contracts. Key proposals include:

• Eliminating the waiting period for statutory sick pay, allowing workers to receive pay from the first day of absence.
• Abolishing the lower earnings limit, ensuring more workers qualify for sick pay.
• Ending “one-sided” flexibility for workers, particularly focusing on fair application of zero-hours contracts for agency staff.

In total, the bill comprises 28 separate reforms aimed at supporting those in the most disadvantaged areas of the UK. The DWP estimates that these changes could save individuals up to £600 in lost income associated with the hidden costs of insecure employment. Protections like guaranteed hours and reasonable notice or compensation for lost work are anticipated to mitigate these challenges.

Government's Commitment to Workers' Rights

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds announced that consultations on these reforms will commence next year, with the majority of new laws expected to be implemented no earlier than 2026.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner emphasised the government's commitment to enhancing working conditions: “We’re delivering real change for working people across the country while driving our mission for growth and making people better off.”

Rayner added, “Successful firms already know that strong employee rights mean strong growth opportunities. This landmark legislation will extend the employment protections given by the best British companies to millions more workers. We said we would get on and deliver the biggest upgrade to rights at work in a generation and the growth our economy needs – and that is exactly what we are doing.”