April 2010 - Additional Paternity Leave

Although Additional Paternity Leave (APL) came into force on 6th April 2010, it only applies to fathers of babies due on or after 3rd April 2011.

Employees must have been continuously employed for 26 weeks before the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth (or date notified of being matched with an adoptive child) to be eligible for APL and it cannot be taken until the mother has returned to work and the child is 20 weeks old. Employees have to give 8 weeks'notice of their intention to take APL which can be for any period of between 2 weeks and 26 weeks. Employees have to self-certify their entitlement and provide a signed declaration by the child's mother. Fathers can receive Additional Statutory Paternity Pay if they take APL during the mother's 39 week Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) period to be paid at the same rate as SMP.

The current paternity leave entitlement of a maximum of 2 weeks to be taken within 56 days of the date of the child's birth will remain and be known as Ordinary Paternity Leave (OPL).

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