Paternity Rights
Nearly half of new fathers don’t take paternity leave. As such, it is unsurprising that many people do not know the details of paternity leave: what leave and pay they are entitled to, and what commitments they have to make.
To be entitled to take paternity leave, you have to be: the biological father of the child OR the mother’s husband or partner OR the child’s adopter OR the husband or partner of the child’s adopter. You must also have been with your employer for 26 weeks by: the end of the 15th week before the week the baby is due OR the end of the week you are notified that the child is yours.
If these conditions are fulfilled, a man can take 1-2 weeks leave, but the days taken must run sequentially. Please note that the 2 weeks you are entitled to take off is one 14 day period, NOT 14 days that you would work (e.g. if you work 2 days a week you are entitled to 4 days off).
The leave is paid at 90% of your average weekly earnings up to £124.88. Note you are not entitled legally to any time off to accompany the mother to antenatal appointments.
