What entitles me to paternity leave?
- You can take paternity leave if you are a contracted employee that has been working for at least 26 weeks
- If you are to be fully involved in the upbringing of the baby and the time is being taken to support the mother/care for the baby
- You are the biological father, mother’s husband or partner (including same sex relationships), Childs adopter or partner of the adopter
What qualifies me for paternity pay?
- To qualify for pay you must earn at least the lower earnings limit, if you earn less, you can take unpaid paternity leave and possibly get income support while you are on leave
- If you are an agency worker, office holder or subcontractor you will not usually have the right to paternity leave. If you meet the other qualifying criteria you may be eligible (see above)
When, how long, etc?
- The two weeks you take off must be taken together
- Leave can be taken – from the day the baby is born, after the baby is born, from the first working day of the week in which the baby is expected
- Leave has to finish within 56 days of the baby’s birth
- Fathers are not legally entitled to time off for antenatal appointments. Yet many companies are flexible and allow time off, or allow you to make up the time later
- You are entitled to return to the same job as before you went on leave
What do I need to tell my employer?
- You have to tell your employer in writing 15 weeks before the baby’s due date ( this can be changed if you give 28 days’ notice)
- The due date
- How much leave you want – one or two weeks
- When you would like to begin your leave
More information on Paternity Rights >