Following the birth of a child, employees have a right to take paid leave to care for the child or supprt the mother. Paternity leave and pay is also available to employees following the placement of a child for adoption.
An employee is entitle to paternity leave if they:
- 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;
- have worked continuously for their employer for 26 weeks ending with the 15th week before the baby is due.
Eligible employees can take either one week or two consecutive weeks' paternity leave but cannot take the time as singular days or as two separate weeks. They can choose to start their leave on any day of the week on, or following, the child's birth, but the leave must be completed within 56 days of the actual date of borth of the child, or of the child is born early, the leave can be taken within 56 days of the expected date of birth.
In the event of more than one child being born as a result of the same pregnancy, i.e. twins, only one period of leave is available.
Subject to earning levels, paternity leave is paid at the same weekly rate as the lower rate of Satuatory Maternity Pay and employees have a responsibility to give their employer 28 days notice of when they intend to take leave. Employers can ask employees to give them a completed self-certificate as evidence of their entitlement to leave and pay. This form is known as an SC3 and is available from HM Revenues and Customs.
Please see our Maternity Rights and Paternity Leave pages for links to online resources and organisations providing further relevant information.
