As we step into 2025, parental policies in the UK are getting a much-needed refresh. Whether you're preparing for your first child or expanding your family, it’s essential to understand the updates to UK maternity and paternity leave in 2025, because these changes could directly impact your finances, time off, and career path. In this blog, we’ll break down exactly what’s changing, who’s affected, and what it means for working parents in the UK. We'll also share practical advice and resources so you can plan ahead with confidence.
Jump to:
- Understanding UK Maternity Leave in 2025
- UK Paternity Leave in 2025: The new rules
- UK Parental Leave in 2025: Shared and Statutory
- Parental Leave changes in 2025: What employers need to know
- What parental policies are changing in the UK in 2025?
- FAQs: UK Parental Leave in 2025
- Final thoughts: Navigating Parental Leave in 2025 and beyond
- References and further reading
Understanding UK Maternity Leave in 2025
What’s staying the same?
As of 2025, the foundational structure of UK maternity leave remains unchanged in many respects:
- Eligible employees can still take up to 52 weeks of maternity leave.
- The first 26 weeks are Ordinary Maternity Leave, followed by 26 weeks of Additional Maternity Leave.
- Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) remains available for up to 39 weeks.
However, the Statutory Maternity Pay rate has increased slightly in 2025 to account for inflation. As of April 2025, employees are entitled to:
- 90% of their average weekly earnings (before tax) for the first 6 weeks.
- £184.03 or 90% of their average weekly earnings (whichever is lower) for the remaining 33 weeks.
📌 Source: UK Government Maternity Leave Guidance
UK Paternity Leave in 2025: The new rules
What’s changing in 2025?
The most significant updates for UK paternity leave in 2025 focus on flexibility and equality:
- Fathers or partners can now split their two weeks of statutory paternity leave into two separate one-week blocks, to be taken at different times within the first year.
- Previously, both weeks had to be taken together within 56 days of birth.
- Notice periods have also been shortened, allowing partners to provide notice 28 days in advance instead of the previous 15-week requirement before the due date.
This aims to make paternity leave more adaptable for new parents, especially when circumstances change after birth or adoption.
📌 Source: Gov.uk: Paternity Leave Reforms
Everything you need to know about returning after maternity leave
Check out our comprehensive guide below
Learn moreUK Parental Leave in 2025: Shared and Statutory
Beyond individual maternity and paternity leave, UK parental leave in 2025 offers families more ways to share responsibilities:
The aim? Encourage more fathers and partners to participate in early childcare, and normalise co-parenting from day one.
Shared Parental Leave (SPL) still allows up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay to be shared between parents.
In 2025, there’s a renewed emphasis on flexibility, with both parents able to take SPL at the same time or at different intervals.
The government is also piloting digital tools to make SPL easier to manage and apply for.
Parental Leave changing in 2025: What employers need to know
Key updates to 2025 parental policies
If you’re an employer, here’s a snapshot of what’s changing in parental leave changes in the UK for 2025:
- Employers must clearly communicate the new flexible leave options to employees.
- HR systems should be updated to reflect split-week paternity leave and enhanced parental pay tracking.
- Businesses are being encouraged to offer more generous packages beyond statutory minimums, especially to attract and retain talent in competitive sectors.
📌 Tip: Incorporate the new policies into your employee handbook and onboarding materials.
What parental policies are changing in the UK in 2025?
To summarise, here’s what parental policies are changing in 2025:
These reforms are a step toward more inclusive, modern family support in the workplace.
FAQs: UK Parental Leave in 2025
Final thoughts: Navigating Parental Leave in 2025 and beyond
Whether you’re an expectant parent or a forward-thinking employer, staying ahead of UK maternity and paternity leave in 2025 is key. These changes are about more than policy – they’re about giving families the flexibility and financial stability they need during major life transitions.
👩💼 For working mums and dads, understanding your rights helps you make informed decisions about time off and career planning.
🏢 For companies, aligning with updated parental policies in the UK for 2025 shows a genuine commitment to equity, wellbeing, and workforce retention.
References & further reading
For more information on the latest parental leave updates and employment rights in the UK, check out these trusted sources:
UK Government – Maternity Pay and Leave
https://www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave
UK Government – Paternity Pay and Leave
https://www.gov.uk/paternity-pay-leave
UK Government – Shared Parental Leave and Pay
https://www.gov.uk/shared-parental-leave-and-pay
Working Families – Employer Guidance on Parental Leave
https://workingfamilies.org.uk/articles/parental-leave/
ACAS – Advice on Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave
https://www.acas.org.uk/maternity-paternity-and-adoption-leave
These resources provide up-to-date guidance on UK maternity leave in 2025, UK paternity leave in 2025, and all changes to parental policies for the UK in 2025.
This post is informed by gov.uk guidance and aligned with the latest employment law updates in the UK. Always check official sources or speak with your HR department for personalised advice.
Everything you need to know about returning after maternity leave
Check out our comprehensive guide below
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