Bereaved Partner's Paternity Leave: New regulations from 6 April 2026

On 10 March 2026, the Bereaved Partner's Paternity Leave Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/237) were made. They come into force on 6 April 2026 and provide a right to up to 52 weeks of bereaved partner's paternity leave (BPPL) where the child's "primary carer" (usually the mother or other adoptive parent) has died within 52 weeks of the birth or adoption placement.

The regulations set out the conditions for entitlement, notice requirements for specifying dates of leave (which can be varied or cancelled by the employee), and employment protection measures such as preservation of contractual terms, the right to return, redundancy protection, KIT days, and protection from detriment and dismissal. There is no provision for statutory pay. 

If you would like a template policy setting out the statutory right to BPPL and pay, with optional wording for full pay, get in touch with our team: hello@starfordlegalhr.com