FAQs

All items: Paternity leave and pay

In which circumstances is an employee entitled to receive statutory paternity pay?

Updated to reflect that the Employment Rights Act 2025 removes the qualifying service requirement for statutory paternity leave, but not for statutory paternity pay.
When can an employee choose to start paternity leave in respect of a new baby?

Updated to reflect changes to the period for taking paternity leave, in force for expected weeks of birth after 6 April 2024.
How much paternity leave can an employee take?

Updated to reflect that changes to the rules on statutory paternity leave from 6 April 2024 allow employees to take two non-consecutive weeks' leave.
Does an employee have the right to return to the same job after paternity leave?
Can employees take paternity leave as well as shared parental leave?
What happens where an employee has given notice to start paternity leave on a particular date, but the child has not been placed for adoption by that date?
Can an employee take paternity leave before the child is born or placed for adoption?
What happens where an employee has given notice to begin paternity leave on a particular date, but the baby has not been born by that date?
Can employees change their mind about when they want their paternity leave to start?
Can an employer request that an employee defer their paternity leave?

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About this category

Frequently asked questions and answers on paternity leave and pay.