Understanding Paternity Leave

Paternity leave is not just important for fathers, but for the whole family. Taking time off work to care for your new baby can help to strengthen your bonds, and allow the mums to recover. It also provides an opportunity for dads to develop their parenting skills and gain confidence in their ability to care for their brand new person. Research has shown that fathers who take paternity leave are more likely to be involved in their child's upbringing and have a positive impact on their child's development.

Overall, paternity leave is an important benefit that all eligible fathers should consider taking advantage of. By taking time off work to be with their new baby, fathers can play an active role in their child's life from the very beginning and create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come.

What is paternity leave?

Paternity leave is a period of time that new fathers can take off work to care for a new baby. In the UK, all eligible employees are entitled to take one or two weeks of paternity leave, depending on their circumstances.

Do you have to be married to qualify for paternity leave?

No, you do not have to be married to qualify for paternity leave in the UK. The paternity leave and pay entitlements are available to both married and unmarried fathers, as well as those in same-sex relationships. The eligibility criteria for paternity leave are based on the employee's employment status, length of service, and the expected week of childbirth or adoption.

To be eligible for paternity leave, you must be an employee and have worked for the same employer for at least 26 weeks by the end of the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth or adoption. Additionally, you must be taking time off to support the mother or care for the child, and you must give your employer notice of the leave and provide evidence of the pregnancy or adoption.

What about self employed fathers?

Self-employed fathers in the UK are not entitled to paternity leave under the current law. The paternity leave and pay entitlements are only available to employees who work for an employer. However, self-employed fathers may be eligible for Shared Parental Leave (SPL) and Pay (ShPP), which allow parents to share leave and pay after the birth or adoption of a child.

Under the SPL scheme, eligible parents can share up to 50 weeks of leave and up to 37 weeks of pay between them, with the flexibility to take the leave in blocks or in a more flexible pattern. To be eligible, both parents must meet the eligibility criteria, including having worked for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before the birth or adoption, and earning above a certain threshold.

Self-employed fathers can also claim up to 2 weeks of Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) if they have employees and meet the eligibility criteria. However, this does not apply if the self-employed individual is the sole director of a limited company and has no employees.

Do fathers who adopt get paternity leave?

Yes, fathers who adopt a child are typically eligible for paternity leave in most countries. The length and eligibility criteria may vary depending on the country's laws and regulations. In the UK adoptive fathers may be eligible for paternity leave if they have been matched with a child for adoption. The leave entitlements are similar to those of biological fathers, including up to two weeks of ordinary paternity leave and up to 26 weeks of additional paternity leave. The leave must be taken within 56 days of the child's placement, and the adoptive father must have worked for the same employer for at least 26 weeks by the end of the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth or adoption.

When can you take paternity leave?

Paternity leave can be taken at any time within the first 56 days after the birth of your child, or within 56 days of the expected date of birth if your baby is born early. You must give your employer at least 15 weeks' notice before the due date, and you must have been employed by them for at least 26 weeks by the end of the 15th week before the due date.

How much paternity pay will you receive?

During your paternity leave, you may be entitled to paternity pay from your employer. The current rate of paternity pay in the UK is £151.97 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower). You will need to provide your employer with evidence of the baby's birth and your entitlement to paternity leave.

Calculate your paternity leave entitlement

To calculate your paternity leave entitlement, you can use the paternity leave calculator on the gov.uk website. This calculator will help you to work out how much leave you are entitled to, and when you can take it.

Take Homes

So while your little one is unwell with a fever, keep clothing light, breathable. Along with choosing the right clothing, keep the room cool, offer regular drinks to stay hydrated, and treat with paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed. Get medical advice if you have concerns about your baby's health.

We hope you found this article useful. Did you know that the Poppet community is a great place to find more helpful tips and resources for your family as well as flexible childcare from local parents and approved providers, all at the touch of a button. Register here today!

And here’s a list of other great resources to learn about your rights as a parent or carer

Working Families - A charity for working parents and carers in the UK.

Gov.uk - UK Government guidance on Paternity Leave.

Citizens Advice - An independent charity that provides free, confidential, and impartial advice and support.

Disclaimer: This article is for education purposes and does not constitute medical advice. You should seek advice from a trained medical professional if you have concerns about your child’s health