What is Statutory Paternity Leave?

If your partner is expecting a baby then you’re entitled to up to two weeks off work. This is called Statutory Paternity Leave.

How much Paternity leave can I take?

You can take either one or two weeks of paid paternity leave, but it must be taken as a whole week, or two consecutive weeks. Some employers will let you take more time off – so check your employment contract!

Do I qualify for Statutory Paternity Leave?

To be eligible for Statutory Paternity Leave, you must either be the baby’s biological father, the baby’s mother’s husband or partner, or the child’s adopter.

You must also have been working for your employer for at least 26 continuous weeks by the end of the 15th week before the week of the due date.

What is Statutory Paternity Pay?

Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) is the legal minimum amount that your employer has to pay you while you’re on paternity leave.

Paternity pay – How much do I get?

During your paternity leave, you get £139.58 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower).

You will be paid your Statutory Paternity Pay either weekly or monthly, depending on how you usually receive your wages. Tax and National Insurance will be deducted as normal.

When does my Paternity pay start?

You will usually start to receive your Statutory Paternity Pay when you begin your paternity leave.

How do I qualify for Statutory Paternity Pay?

To qualify for paternity pay, you must be one of the following:

– The baby’s biological father
– The husband or partner of the baby’s mother
– The baby’s adopter

You must also:

– Earn at least £112 a week before tax
– have worked for the same employer for at least 26 weeks up to the end of the 15th week of your due date. This week is called the ‘qualifying week’.

How do I claim Statutory Paternity Pay?

To get your Statutory Paternity Pay, you must tell your employer the baby’s due date and when you want your leave to start. You must do this at least 15 weeks before the due date.