Changes to paternity leave on the horizon

The Government has published a response to its 2019 consultation on options for reforming parental leave and pay.  The consultation was launched with a view to achieving greater equality in parenting and at work.

The consultation considered several types of family-related leave.  However, legislation changes are being made to paternity leave only.  The following will be implemented in due course:

• Employed fathers and partners will be able to take the current entitlement of up to two weeks’ statutory paternity leave in two separate blocks of one week of leave if they wish.

• Employed fathers and partners will be able to take their statutory paternity leave at any time within 52 weeks of birth or placement for adoption.

• It is proposed that fathers will need to give 28 days’ notice before each period of leave they intend to take (rather than 15 weeks prior to birth), although the notice of entitlement will still need to be given 15 weeks before birth.

Respondents highlighted the complexity of the shared parental leave scheme.  However, the government is not proposing to make any changes to the regime, referring instead to an online eligibility and pay calculation tool which can be accessed here.

If you require any further advice in relation to the above, or any changes that may be required to policies, please contact the AfterAthena Team