April 24 – Paternity leave changes
There are several changes to paternity leave in 2024.
Notice period
New fathers and partners only need to give 28 days' notice of their intention to take paternity leave, instead of the previous 15 weeks.
Splitting leave
Fathers and partners can split their statutory paternity leave into two blocks of one week at any point in the first year after the birth or adoption.
Start date
Fathers and partners can change the start date of their paternity leave on 28 days' notice.
Application
Permanent employees can apply for leave immediately, while agency workers need to have been working for 12 weeks before they qualify.
These changes apply to employees and employers in England, Wales, and Scotland.
New fathers and partners only need to give 28 days' notice of their intention to take paternity leave, instead of the previous 15 weeks.
Flexibility
Fathers and partners can take paternity leave at any time within 52 weeks after the birth or adoption of their child.
Splitting leave
Fathers and partners can split their statutory paternity leave into two blocks of one week at any point in the first year after the birth or adoption.
Start date
Fathers and partners can change the start date of their paternity leave on 28 days' notice.
Application
Permanent employees can apply for leave immediately, while agency workers need to have been working for 12 weeks before they qualify.
These changes apply to employees and employers in England, Wales, and Scotland.
