Guardians and adoptive parents to be offered leave
A new Bill would give parental leave to legal guardians and adoptive parents of children below two years old, MPs heard today.
Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, highlighted their central role in children’s early years while he discussed the Employment Amendment Act 2026.
He explained: “There are parents who open their hearts and homes through adoption or guardianship, often after long, uncertain journeys.
“These parents shoulder the same responsibilities, make the same sacrifices and offer the same unconditional love as any other parent, and they deserve the same protections and support.”
He emphasised the “foundational” impact of the first two years of a child’s life, adding: “What matters most is not biology, but the steady presence of a caring adult; someone who is there day after day to nurture, protect and love.”
The amendment, similar to the Employment Act 2000, will offer adoptive mothers 13 weeks of leave and five days of paid leave to adoptive fathers, to be covered by a workplace where they have spent at least one year and otherwise unpaid.
Mr Hayward said the legislation “strengthens employee protections, promotes healthy family units and ensures that adoptive parents and legal guardians are treated equitably when it comes to leave entitlements”.
• To see the minister’s statement in full, see Related Media
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