Paternity Pay and Parental Leave

In addition to maternity leave there are other circumstances in which leave can be taken by parents.

Paternity Leave

As a father you can expect to get Paternity pay if:

• You have or expect to have responsibility for the child’s upbringing
• If you are the biological father of the child or the mother’s husband or partner and
• 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

You can choose to take either one week or two consecutive weeks’ paid paternity leave, but cannot just take odd days.

When must I take my Paternity pay?

You must complete your paternity leave within 56 days of the actual date of birth of the child, or if your child is born early, then within the period from the actual birth date, up to 56 days after the first day of the week in which the child’s birth was expected.