The statutory entitlement to Paternity Leave for employee, changed on 6 April 2024:-

• the leave can now be split into a single period of either one or two weeks or two non-consecutive periods of one week each
• it can be taken at any point within 52 weeks of the birth or adoption placement or within 52 weeks of the first day of the Expected Week of Childbirth (if the child was born early) and
• the period of notice which the employee must give his employer of his chosen start date is at least 28 days before the chosen start date (or no more than seven days after the adoption agency notifies the employee of being matched with a child) or as soon as the employee reasonably can.

Currently, the statutory weekly rate of Statutory Paternity Pay is the lower of £184.03 per week or 90% of average weekly earnings.

Employment Rights Bill

It is also proposed, under the Employment Rights Bill, published on 10 October 2024 that paternity leave (and the separate right of unpaid parental leave) will apply from the first day of employment.

The Government has not yet announced a date when changes outlined in the Employment Rights Bill will become law but it may not be until Autumn 2026.

If you would like to discuss any employment matter, please contact Julia Woodhouse on 01926 831231 or [email protected].

Julia is an Employment Solicitor based in Leamington Spa and advises clients across Leamington Spa, Warwick, Kenilworth, Coventry, Rugby, Nuneaton, Atherstone and further afield.

The above does not constitute legal advice.