Paternity Leave Policy Template for UK Businesses
A paternity leave policy covers the statutory rights of eligible employees to take time off when their partner has a baby, adopts a child, or has a child through surrogacy. Statutory paternity leave is currently 1 or 2 consecutive weeks, taken within 52 weeks of the birth or placement. Since April 2024, paternity leave can be taken as two separate one-week blocks (rather than consecutive weeks) and the notice period has been reduced. Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) is £184.03 per week or 90% of average earnings, whichever is lower.
Who Needs This Policy?
All UK employers with eligible employees must provide paternity leave. Employees qualify if they have 26 weeks' continuous service by the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth, are the biological father or the partner of the mother/adopter, and will have responsibility for the child's upbringing. The Paternity Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2024 updated the rules from April 2024, allowing more flexibility in when and how leave is taken.
What's Covered
This paternity leave policy template covers 10 key sections:
Purpose
[your details] is committed to supporting employees who are becoming parents. This policy sets out your entitlement to p...
Scope
This policy applies to all employees of [your details] who meet the eligibility criteria below. From 6 April 2026, pater...
Paternity Leave Entitlement
You are entitled to either or paternity leave (your choice). If you choose 2 weeks, these may be taken as: - 2 consecu...
Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP)
You are eligible for Statutory Paternity Pay if: - You have been continuously employed by [your details] for at least 26...
Procedures -- Notification
To take paternity leave, you should notify [your details] in writing at least 15 weeks before the Expected Week of Child...
During Paternity Leave
During paternity leave: - Your employment contract continues - Annual leave continues to accrue - Contractual benefits (...
Time Off for Antenatal Appointments
If you are the partner of a pregnant woman, you have the right to take unpaid time off to attend up to 2 antenatal appoi...
Roles and Responsibilities
are responsible for: - Notifying [your details] of their intention to take paternity leave within the required timescal...
Related Policies
This policy should be read alongside: - Maternity Leave Policy - Shared Parental Leave Policy - Parental Leave Policy -...
Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if there are legislative changes. The next scheduled review date is [yo...
Legal Framework
This policy template is grounded in the following UK legislation and guidance:
- Paternity and Adoption Leave Regulations 2002 (as amended)
- Employment Rights Act 1996, ss.75A-75D
- Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 (SPP)
- Employment Rights Act 2025 (day-one right from April 2026)
How Complaiance Helps
Our paternity leave policy goes beyond a generic template:
- Updated for 2024 changes including split weeks and reduced notice requirements
- Clear eligibility criteria and notification timeline for employees and managers
- SPP calculation guidance with current rates and recovery information
- Integration with shared parental leave options for employees who want more time off
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Get Started FreeFrequently Asked Questions
How long is paternity leave in the UK?
Statutory paternity leave is 1 or 2 weeks. Since April 2024, these can be taken as two separate one-week blocks at any point within 52 weeks of the birth or placement (previously they had to be consecutive and taken within 56 days). The leave is in addition to any annual leave entitlement. Some employers offer enhanced paternity leave and pay above the statutory minimum.
How much is Statutory Paternity Pay?
SPP is £184.03 per week or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower (2025/26 rate). To qualify, the employee must earn at least the Lower Earnings Limit (£123 per week). SPP is paid by the employer, who can recover 92% from HMRC (or 103% for businesses qualifying for Small Employers' Relief). SPP is subject to tax and National Insurance.
Can fathers take more than 2 weeks off?
Yes, through shared parental leave (SPL). If the mother or adopter curtails their maternity or adoption leave early, up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay can be shared between both parents. Fathers/partners can also use annual leave or request unpaid parental leave (up to 18 weeks per child). Some employers offer enhanced paternity leave beyond the statutory minimum.