Can employees take paternity leave as well as shared parental leave?
Yes, eligible employees can take both paternity leave and shared parental leave.
Before 6 April 2026, employees are required to take paternity leave first. They cannot take a period of paternity leave if they have already taken a period of shared parental leave in relation to the same child.
The Employment Rights Act 2025 removes this restriction for paternity leave where the expected week of childbirth is on or after 5 April 2026; the child is born on or after 6 April 2026; or the child is expected to be placed for adoption on or after 6 April 2026.
