Additional paternity leave and pay

Summary

• Regulations allow mothers to transfer up to 6 months of their maternity leave to the father when they return to work – additional paternity leave (APL).
• Similar provisions apply to adoptive parents. In the case of adoption, the entitlement will be given to people who have been matched with a child for adoption and who are spouses of partners (of either sex) of the adopter who has elected to take adoption leave.
• The definition of ‘father’ includes the biological father of the child or one of a jointly adopting couple or the spouse, civil partner or partner of the mother or an adopter.
• Fathers must be responsible for the upbringing of the child and be taking the leave to undertake caring responsibilities.
• Fathers must have continuous service with their employer of at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before the baby is due or by the date the child is matched for adoption.
• APL is not available for 20 weeks from birth or adoption, other than where the mother/ adopter dies. It must be completed by the child’s first birthday.
• At least 8 weeks’ notice of start of APL must be given to the father’s employer.

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