Paternity leave

If you’re about to become a dad you have a right to spend some time with your new baby. But how much paternity leave do you get? And can you take it instead of your partner?

So, when do you start talking?

What is paternity leave?

New dads are legally entitled to take time off work to spend with their newborn. Taking paternity leave should not affect your employment.

How much paternity leave can I get?

If you’re an employee then you can:

• Choose to take either one or two weeks off as Ordinary Paternity Leave
• Take up to 26 weeks off as Additional Paternity Leave (if you’re eligible).

You must take Ordinary Paternity Leave within 56 days of your baby being born. You can take Additional Paternity Leave from 20 weeks after you’ve had your baby, but it must end by your child’s first birthday.

If you are self-employed, you don’t qualify for paternity leave, or paternity pay.

How much money will I get?

Ordinary Paternity Leave is £136.78 a week, unless you have a generous employer, in which case you’ll get more. This rate continues if you decide to take Additional Paternity Leave.

Can I take paternity leave?

To get Ordinary Paternity Leave, you must:

• Take it all in one big block – you’re not usually allowed to take it as random days
• Have been working for your employer when the baby was conceived (for 26 weeks when your partner is 15 weeks pregnant)
• Be the biological father, the mother’s husband or partner, or adoptive father

To get Additional Paternity Leave, you must:

• Be taking the time off solely to care for your child (well, d’uh, obviously)
• The child’s mother must’ve started working again
• The child’s mother must’ve qualified for her own maternity benefits

Telling your boss you’re taking time off

You must tell your employer at least 15 weeks before the baby is due and will probably need to fill in an SC3 FORM.

For Additional Paternity Leave, you must tell them at least eight weeks before you take it.

Photo of father and son by Shutterstock