The UK Government has published the draft Paternity Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2024 (The Paternity Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2024 (legislation.gov.uk) which is due to come into effect where the expected week of birth begins after 6th April 2024.
The key changes are:
- Fathers can now choose to take their two weeks of statutory paternity leave as either two non-consecutive one-week periods or as two consecutive weeks.
- Fathers are no longer required to take paternity leave within 56 days following the birth or adoption of the child. The period of leave can now be taken at any point within the first year after the birth or adoption of the child.
- The dates for paternity leave can be varied with 28 days’ notice, which is a change to the current requirement to give at least 15 weeks’ notice before the expected week of childbirth.
Statutory paternity pay is to remain at the current rate of £172.48, or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower), unless as an employee you are entitled to enhanced paternity pay.
How will this impact employers?
These changes will also coincide with other family-friendly rights such as amendments to flexible working rights, the introduction of carers’ leave as well as the extension of the protected period following pregnancy and maternity leave.
It is important that employers are aware of the new rules and implement the necessary relevant changes. We recommend that you conduct a review of relevant policies to ensure they are compliant.
If you would like more information or assistance, please contact the Employment Team.
