Paternity Leave

Paternity leave allows parents to take time off from their work to have time with their child following a birth.

To qualify, employees must meet the following criteria:

  • have or expect to have responsibility for the child's upbringing
  • are the biological father of the child or the mother's husband or partner and

  • have worked continuously for their employer for 26 weeks ending with the 15th week before the baby is due or the end of the week in which the child's adopter is notified of being matched with the child can choose to take either one week or two consecutive weeks' paid paternity leave (not odd days).

Paternity leave must be completed:

  • within 56 days of the actual date of birth of the child, or

  • If the child is born early, within the period from the actual date of birth up to 56 days after the first day of the week in which the birth was expected.

  • Employees have the right to return to the same job after paternity leave. Most employees are entitled to Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) from their employers

Last updated: 08 May 2019