Paternity Leave
Can my partner get Ordinary Paternity Leave OPL?
If your partner qualifies for SPL the entitlement is two weeks paid leave. You can check here for your personalised statement and qualifying pay.
You may take one or two weeks leave in a block but not two one week breaks or odd days. A week is based on your usual working weekly pattern.
Can my partner receive Ordinary Statutory Paternity Pay?
To qualify for the payment you will need to be the partner of the mother with the responsibily for the babys upbringing.
You will need to have been in continuous employment for at least 26weeks without a break and continue to work for the same employer until the birth or adoption.
You will need to be earning at least £102 a week
It will be paid the same way as your normal wages and is liable for tax and national insurance
Can my partner get time off to help look after our child?
If you are sharing the upbringing of a child you may qualify for paternity leave and payment.
You must give your employer the correct amount of notice. You should tell them in writing either:
- At least 15 weeks before the beginning of the week when the baby’s due
- How much leave you want to take one or two weeks
- The due date of the baby
- Within seven days of being told by the adoption agency that you have been matched with a child
- Or when you want the paternity leave to begin
Failure to give the correct amount of notice to your employer could mean you loose the entitlement
OPL can start on any day of the week but not prior to the birth.
Additional Paternity Leave
If your baby is due on or after 3 April 2011 you may have the right to take up to 26 weeks’ Additional Paternity Leave. This is taken after your entitlement to two weeks’ Ordinary Paternity Leave.
Can my partner get time off to attend Antenatal classes?
Most employers are sympathetic and will allow flexibility whereby you may take the time off to attend but make up the time later or take unpaid leave.
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