Currently, eligible employees have a right to paternity leave in a one- or two-week block during the first eight weeks after a child is born or adopted, at the statutory rate of pay.
The government’s intention in its response is to change this so that fathers or partners:
- Can split their leave into two blocks of one week (rather than one block of one or two weeks).
- Can take their leave and pay at any point in the first year after the birth or adoption of their child, not just within the first eight weeks. This period of a year gives both fathers or partners and employers much more flexibility.
- Give notice of leave and pay to their employer in a new way. An employee will have to give notice of intention to take leave 15 weeks before the expected week of childbirth, followed by four weeks’ notice of applicable dates before each period of leave.
Operative date
- Now
Recommendation
- Employers should check out the proposed new rules and start planning how to deal with the potential impact of the new rules on their organisation.
This article from Atom Content Marketing is for general guidance only, for businesses in the United Kingdom governed by the laws of England. Atom Content Marketing, expert contributors and ICAEW (as distributor) disclaim all liability for any errors or omissions.
Copyright © Atom Content Marketing
ICAEW Business Advice Service
Grow your business with trusted business advice. We connect entrepreneurs, start-ups, and SMEs with ICAEW regulated accountancy firms who will provide a free initial consultation without obligation.
About Legal Alert
Legal Alert is a monthly checklist from Atom Content Marketing highlighting new and pending laws, regulations, codes of practice and rulings that could have an impact on your business.