UK · Paternity

Paternity leave UK

UK paternity leave is 2 weeks statutory entitlement, since April 2024 available as two separate one-week blocks within 52 weeks of birth. Paid at £187.18/week or 90% of earnings (whichever lower). Requires 26 weeks continuous service by the qualifying week. Many employers enhance with full-pay periods.

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Why this matters right now

The April 2024 Paternity Leave (Amendment) Regulations delivered the most significant paternity reform since the entitlement was created in 2003. Fathers and partners can now split leave into two one-week blocks, reduce notice from 15 weeks before birth to 28 days before each block, and choose when the leave is most useful for the family rather than being forced to take it all immediately.

The 2-week entitlement

Every eligible partner is entitled to 2 weeks paternity leave, which since April 2024 can be taken as:

  • One continuous 2-week block, OR
  • Two separate 1-week blocks.

Both blocks must fall within 52 weeks of the birth. Historically restricted to the first 8 weeks - the 2024 reform materially expanded this.

Eligibility

To qualify you must:

  1. Have 26 weeks continuous employment with the same employer by the end of the qualifying week (15 weeks before expected childbirth).
  2. Earn at least the Lower Earnings Limit (£125/week in 2025-26) in the 8-week reference period.
  3. Be the biological father, the mother's husband/civil partner/partner, or the intended parent in a surrogacy arrangement.

Case example: two-block paternity for phased return

A junior doctor took his first week of paternity leave immediately after birth (October 2025) to support his partner during the newborn period. His partner then took 6 months of maternity leave. When she returned to work part-time in April 2026, he took his second week of paternity leave to support the transition to childcare. Total leave used: 2 weeks. Total statutory pay: £374. Trust occupational scheme added 2 weeks full pay bringing total to 4 weeks paid leave.

Notice requirements

Simpler post-April 2024:

  • By end of week 15 before expected childbirth: notify pregnancy and intention to take paternity leave.
  • 28 days before each specific block: notify start date.
  • Can vary dates with 28 days notice.

Employer confirms return date in writing within 28 days.

Pay: SPP

Statutory Paternity Pay for the 2 weeks: £187.18/week or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever lower (2025-26).

Employer pays through the standard payroll and reclaims from HMRC (103% for small employers, 92% for larger). Employer cost is small.

Full detail on statutory paternity pay.

Enhanced occupational paternity pay

Many employers enhance the statutory:

  • NHS: typically 2 weeks full pay under Agenda for Change.
  • Civil Service: 2 weeks full pay.
  • Teachers (Burgundy Book): 2 weeks full pay.
  • Financial services: often 2-4 weeks full pay.
  • Tech/professional services: variable, often 4-8 weeks.

Check the staff handbook. Enhanced pay usually has similar repayment clauses to enhanced maternity - resigning within a defined post-leave period may trigger repayment.

Interaction with Shared Parental Leave

Paternity leave and Shared Parental Leave (SPL) are separate entitlements. Common combinations:

  • Paternity leave alone (simple; 2 weeks).
  • Paternity + SPL (paternity first, then convert maternity to SPL for extended time).
  • Only SPL (skip paternity, take a longer SPL block instead).

SPL is materially more flexible for families where the partner wants extended time - up to 50 weeks shareable. See GOV.UK for the eligibility and notification rules.

Adoption and surrogacy

Paternity Leave for adoption and surrogacy:

  • Adoption: co-adopter (not the primary adopter) can take 2 weeks paternity leave from when the child is placed.
  • Surrogacy: intended parents can apply for equivalent Statutory Adoption Leave/Pay after parental order.

Detriment and dismissal protection

Taking paternity leave is a protected activity. Detriment (adverse treatment) or dismissal related to paternity leave is automatically unfair with no service qualifier. Also engages the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristic of sex (indirect discrimination where paternity uptake is used against fathers).

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Frequently asked questions

How much paternity leave do UK fathers get?
2 weeks statutory entitlement, available since April 2024 as two separate one-week blocks within 52 weeks of birth (previously restricted to first 8 weeks). Paid at £187.18/week or 90% of earnings (whichever lower). Many employers enhance with full pay periods.
Do I have to take paternity leave immediately after birth?
Since April 2024 no. Two one-week blocks can be taken any time in the first 52 weeks after birth. Common patterns: one week at birth + one week when partner returns to work; one week at birth + one week around a family holiday.
Am I eligible for paternity leave?
Yes if: (1) 26 weeks continuous service by the qualifying week (15 weeks before expected birth); (2) earnings above £125/week Lower Earnings Limit; (3) you are the biological father, mother's husband/partner, or intended parent in a surrogacy arrangement.
How much notice for paternity leave?
Since April 2024: notify pregnancy and intention to take leave by the end of the 15th week before expected childbirth. Notify each specific block start date at least 28 days before. Can vary dates with 28 days notice.
What is Shared Parental Leave?
An alternative allowing the mother's 52-week entitlement to be shared with the partner - up to 50 weeks shareable leave, 37 weeks shareable pay at £187.18/week (or 90% of earnings). More flexible than paternity for families wanting extended partner leave.

Sources and further reading

General information about UK employment law, not legal advice. For your situation, contact ACAS or an employment-law solicitor.