Paternity Leave?

What Is Paternity Leave?

Paternity Leave is a period of one or two consecutive weeks of leave. It is to enable qualifying fathers to spend some time with their new child and be able to offer support to their partner when the child has arrived. It was introduced by the government in 2003 as a measure to help working families.

How Do I Qualify For Paternity Leave?

be the biological father of the child or be the mothers husband or partner – Paternity Leave is available to employees who have had an adopted child placed with them
have or expect to have responsibility of the child’s upbringing
have worked for you employer continuously for twenty six weeks ending with the fifteenth week before the baby is due

When Will Paternity Leave Start?

from the date of the child’s birth – regardless of whether the baby is born early or late
from a chosen number of days or weeks after the date of the birth
from a chosen date, later than the first day of the week in which the baby is expected to be born

When Must Paternity Leave Be Used By?

fifty six days after the birth of a child
the period of leave is the same regardless of whether a single or multiple birth takes place

Am I Entitled To Any Financial Benefits Whilst On Paternity Pay?

In order to qualify for Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) from your employer, currently £102.80 p. week or ninety percent of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower, you must:

earn over £77 per week
give a completed self certificate (PL517) to your employer as evidence of your entitlement to SPP
for employees on low incomes or earning less than £77 per week, income support may be available whilst on paternity leave

How Do I Tell My Employer That I Would Like To Take Paternity Leave?

inform your employee that you would like to take paternity leave before the end of the fifteenth week, before the birth is expected. Let them know:
the week the baby is due to be born
whether you will be taking one or two weeks paternity leave
the week you would like paternity leave to start
if you change you mind about the paternity start date, your employer needs twenty eight days notice, unless not reasonably practical

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