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Paternity leave policy (expected week of childbirth before 5 April 2026 and birth before 6 April 2026)

Author: Zeba Sayed

When to use this model paternity leave policy

Use this model policy to set out the rights of employees to paternity leave and pay where:

  • the expected week of childbirth is before 5 April 2026; and
  • the child is born before 6 April 2026.

This policy also covers paternity leave and pay in an adoption situation where the expected date of placement for adoption (or entry into Great Britain for adoptions from overseas) is before 6 April 2026.

For a policy that reflects the rights of employees to paternity leave and pay after those dates, see our Paternity leave policy (expected week of childbirth from 5 April 2026 or birth from 6 April 2026).