Paternity Leave Rights
If you are expecting a child or having a child placed with you for adoption, by satisfying criteria you will be entitled to two weeks’ paternity leave (with same pay rate as SMP) to be taken up to eight weeks after the date of birth or placement for adoption. To qualify for paternity leave, you must be the:
- Child’s father;
- Married or Civil Partner of the mother; or
- Adopter of the child.
In addition, you must have or expect to have responsibility for the child’s upbringing. You must give your employer notice and have 26 weeks’ continuous employment.
If you have an enquiry regarding your maternity or paternity leave rights, or simply require a consultation, do not hesitate to call us or contact us using the form below.
Free ConsultationShared Parental Leave
Shared Parental Leave is designed to reflect greater involvement fathers play in childcare responsibilities. SPL allows both parents to take leave or alternate between caring for the child and working. As a mother, you can end your maternity leave to allow the father the remainder of your maternity leave (as long as they live with you) after the compulsory 2 weeks maternity leave.
To qualify for SPL, you both must have:
- been working for a period of 26 weeks before the expected week of childbirth;
- main responsibility for childcare;
- served requisite notices to employers; and
- provides employers with any evidence (if requested).
Should you both satisfy the requirements, you both will decide on sharing the SPL period. Adoption Leave operates in the same way and for a period of 39 weeks.
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