Paternity Leave and Pay Rights
Eligible employees get up to 2 weeks paternity leave. From April 2024, leave can be taken as 2 separate one-week blocks within 52 weeks of birth, rather than consecutively within 56 days.
Last updated: February 2025
1-2 weeks
Leave duration
£184.03/week
SPP rate
28 days
Notice required
What the Law Says
The Employment Rights Act 1996 and Paternity and Adoption Leave Regulations 2002 (as amended 2024) entitle eligible employees to 1 or 2 weeks paternity leave. Since April 2024, leave can be taken flexibly in two non-consecutive blocks within 52 weeks of birth or placement. Notice reduced to 28 days.
Your Obligations as an Employer
- Allow up to 2 weeks paternity leave for qualifying employees
- Pay Statutory Paternity Pay at £184.03/week or 90% of earnings
- Accept 28 days notice (reduced from 15 weeks)
- Allow leave to be taken in two separate blocks within 52 weeks
What to Include in Contracts
Specify entitlement to 1 or 2 weeks leave, detail any enhanced paternity pay, confirm the 28-day notice requirement, and state flexible booking options under the 2024 amendments.
View related contract templateCommon Mistakes
- Not updating policies to reflect April 2024 flexible paternity leave changes
- Requiring employees to take both weeks consecutively
- Refusing paternity leave to employees who are not the biological father but are the partner
FAQ
Who qualifies for paternity leave?
Employees with 26 weeks continuous service by the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth, who are the biological father, the mother's spouse/partner, or the intended parent in a surrogacy arrangement.
Can paternity leave be extended?
Paternity leave itself cannot be extended beyond 2 weeks, but eligible employees can convert unused maternity/adoption leave into Shared Parental Leave of up to 50 weeks between both parents.
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Get Started FreeThis is guidance for UK employers, not legal advice. For complex employment law matters, consult a qualified employment solicitor or ACAS.
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