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Paternity leave and pay

Also see:
  Equal pay
  Flexible work

If you are a father to be or will share the responsibility with a partner for bringing up a child, you may have the right to Statutory Paternity Leave and Pay. This includes adoptive fathers-to-be.

To qualify you will have worked continuously for your 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.

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 and
  • 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.

Those who are eligible can choose to take either one week or two consecutive weeks' paid paternity leave (not odd days).

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Employee Questions
Employers Questions
Is any time off allowed with pay to attend antenatal appointments?
How much time off will I get?
When can I take the time off?
Will I get my full pay for the time I am off?
When do I need to tell my employer I am going to take Paternity Leave?
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