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Paternity Leave

 

Employees may be entitled to Paternity Leave and Pay if their partner is having a baby, adopting a child or having a baby through a surrogacy arrangement. 

Paternity Leave entitles employees to either take one or two consecutive weeks off work, (it can’t be taken as odd days), within 56 days of the actual date of birth of the child, (or placement of the child in the case of adoption).

Employees should tell their employer as soon as possible that they wish to take paternity leave, but this should be no later than the end of the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth/placement. 

Paternity leave is available to employees who:

  • Have or expect to have responsibility for the child's upbringing.
  • Are the biological father of the child, or the mother's husband or partner (including same-sex relationships).
  • Have worked continuously for their employer for 26 weeks ending with the 15th week before the baby is due, or the end of the week in which the child's adopter is notified of being matched with the child, (UK adoption), or the date the child enters the UK (overseas adoptions).

To understand more about the obligations you have towards employees wishing to take a period of Paternity Leave, please contact a member of the HRx  team.