A father's tireless campaign has culminated in new legal rights for bereaved parents across Great Britain, ensuring they can take vital time off to care for their newborn child after the death of a partner.
A Personal Tragedy Sparks Legal Change
Aaron Horsey was left in sole care of his newborn son, Tim, in 2022 after his wife, Bernadette, aged 31, died during childbirth at Royal Derby Hospital. As a clinical trial manager who had been with his company for less than nine months, he discovered he had no automatic right to paternity or parental leave.
Horsey told the Guardian of his struggle over three years ago, vowing to ensure others would not face the same emotional trauma. His conversation with his then local MP, Conservative Darren Henry for Broxtowe, while carrying his three-week-old son, set in motion a legislative journey.
The New Rights and Their Legislative Path
The resulting Paternity Leave (Bereavement) Act, introduced via a private member's bill by Labour MP Chris Elmore for Bridgend, received cross-party support. It amends the Employment Rights Act 1996 and became law on the final day of parliament in 2024.
From April 2025, the new measures will provide:
- Up to 52 weeks of leave for bereaved partners who lose their spouse or partner before their child's first birthday.
- Day-one rights to paternity leave and paid parental leave for all working parents, secured under Labour's Employment Rights Bill.
The government made concessions to pass the bill through the House of Lords in December. A government spokesperson stated the updated Employment Rights Act 2025 will enable an additional 32,000 fathers per year to access paternity leave immediately.
Reflections and National Impact
Speaking about the change, Aaron Horsey expressed mixed emotions, stating he was "proud that something good has come from a very difficult experience." He believes the law provides a clear route for support at one of the most difficult moments imaginable.
"I'll tell Tim that sometimes challenges arise and they might seem impossible," Horsey said, reflecting on what he would tell his son. "If something needs to be changed, it's always worth trying to – even if it takes a long time to get there."
He suspects his late wife, Bernadette, would have been most proud of their son growing into a "kind and curious person," but added: "She was always very focused on fairness and kindness, and I think she'd be glad that what happened to us has led to something that will help other families."
The new law applies in England, Scotland, and Wales. While it does not currently extend to Northern Ireland, Horsey remains hopeful it will be adopted there in future.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the reforms mean new parents can take time off when they have a child, and no one will be forced to work while ill to make ends meet. Paul Nowak, TUC General Secretary, welcomed the act for delivering "vital commonsense reforms" and bringing Britain in line with other nations.
