From April 2024 minor changes will be made to simplify statutory paternity leave:
- Fathers and partners will now be able to take their two-week paternity leave entitlement as two separate one-week blocks (rather than having to take just one week in total or two consecutive weeks);
- Fathers and partners will be able to take paternity leave at any time in the first year after birth or adoption (rather than having to take leave in the 8 weeks after birth or adoption);
- Fathers and partners will only need to give 28 days’ notice to take paternity leave (reduced from 15 weeks before the due week).
When do these changes apply?
The changes will apply for children who are due to be born (or placed for adoption) after 6 April 2024.
What should you do now?
You can provide more generous paternity leave benefits to your team if you wish. You should review your current paternity/parental leave policy (if you have one) to check that it meets the new basic legal entitlements and make any necessary changes in time for April. If you don’t have one consider whether you should put one in place.
Conclusion
It’s hoped that this simplification of the rules will not only assist you and your People/HR team (if you have one) in practice but may also encourage more fathers and partners to take up their leave entitlements.
How can we help you?
Talk to us if you need assistance updating or creating a parental leave policy on info@legaledge.co.uk
