A father who was left to care for his newborn son alone after his wife's tragic death has successfully campaigned for a change in UK law, ensuring other bereaved parents will have the right to take time off work.
A Personal Tragedy Sparks Legal Change
Aaron Horsey was devastated to learn he had no automatic right to leave to care for his infant son 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 did not qualify for statutory paternity or parental leave, despite being suddenly thrust into sole parenthood.
Now, more than three years after first sharing his story with the Guardian, new legislation will prevent others from facing the same ordeal. Measures within the Employment Rights Act, set to be presented to parliament, will grant bereaved partners the right to up to 52 weeks of leave if they lose their partner before their child's first birthday.
The Legislative Journey to Support
The change, known as the Paternity Leave (Bereavement) Act, began as an urgent conversation between Horsey—holding his three-week-old son, Tim—and his then local MP, Conservative Darren Henry for Broxtowe. It was later introduced as a private member's bill by Labour MP Chris Elmore and gained cross-party support.
The bill amended the Employment Rights Act 1996 and became law on the final day of parliament in 2024. It applies in England, Scotland, and Wales, though not currently in Northern Ireland, a situation Horsey hopes will change in future.
"I’m proud that something good has come from a very difficult experience," Horsey reflected. "I’m glad that this particular worry won’t need to affect anyone in future and they can simply have the time they need without delay."
Broader Reforms and Future Impact
The wider Employment Rights Act 2025 also introduces day-one rights to paternity leave and paid parental leave, following government concessions to secure its passage through the House of Lords in December 2023. These new rights are scheduled to come into effect in April 2025.
A government spokesperson stated the reforms would enable an additional 32,000 fathers a year to access paternity leave immediately. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the changes meant new parents could take necessary time off, and no one would be forced to work while ill to make ends meet.
Paul Nowak, TUC General Secretary, welcomed the act, stating it would "deliver vital commonsense reforms for millions" and bring Britain in line with other nations.
For Aaron Horsey, the legacy is deeply personal. He plans to tell his son, Tim, that "sometimes challenges arise and they might seem impossible... If something needs to be changed, it’s always worth trying to." He believes his late wife, Bernadette, who valued fairness and kindness, would be glad their experience has helped other families.
