Paternity leave and pay
1 tasks in suggested order
1. Give your employer the current Paternity Leave and Pay notices
If applicable: If you are an employee in Great Britain and want Paternity Leave and/or Statutory Paternity Pay.
In Great Britain, Paternity Leave became a day-one employment right from 6 April 2026, while Statutory Paternity Pay still has separate service/earnings tests. For a baby due on or after 26 July 2026, tell the employer the due date at least 15 weeks before the baby is expected and give at least 28 days’ notice of when the leave will start and whether you want 1 or 2 weeks.
For babies due on or after 26 July 2026, use both the 15-week due-date notice and the 28-day leave-start notice. Adoption uses different forms/timing.
Your employer using the current GOV.UK Paternity Pay and Leave route.
Baby’s due date, intended start, whether taking 1 or 2 weeks and the employer’s or GOV.UK declaration/form.
Do not use the old rule that 26 weeks of service is required for Paternity Leave itself. Pay still has separate eligibility rules. Northern Ireland uses separate nidirect employment-law guidance.
Official source: GOV.UK
