Paternity leave and pay policy template
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This model policy provides information about Statutory Paternity Leave and pay. Paternity Leave is the time an employee can take off to support their partner.
This policy has three parts: an 'overview' that explains what it's about, 'scope' which details who it applies to, and 'general principles' that list the main rules it follows.
Why this policy is necessary
This Paternity leave and pay policy template aims to offer you a versatile and customisable tool, serving as a solid foundation for your needs. Utilise it to ensure consistency, enhance accuracy, and save valuable time.
Adapt it to suit your unique requirements, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in your HR processes.
Specifications
5 mins
361 words, 2 pages A4
1 December 2024
Paternity leave and pay
Overview
This policy sets out information about Statutory Paternity Leave and pay. Paternity Leave is the time an employee can take off to support their partner.
Scope
This policy is applicable to all employees of [company name].
General principles
Statutory Paternity Leave is a maximum of two weeks time off because your partner's having a baby, adopting a child or having a baby through a surrogacy arrangement. It can be taken as a single week or two consecutive weeks. It cannot be taken as odd days but can be taken as two separate weeks.
You can choose to take either 1 or 2 weeks. You get the same amount of leave if your partner has a multiple birth (such as twins).
Eligibility
To be eligible you must:
- be employed up to the date of birth
- give the correct notice
- have been continuously employed for at least 26 weeks up to any day in the 'qualifying week'. The 'qualifying week' is the 15th week before the baby is due. This is different if you adopt.
Giving notice
At least 28 weeks before the baby is due, you must tell [your line manager | HR]:
- the due date
- when you want your leave to start, for example the day of the birth or the week after the birth
- if you want 1 or 2 weeks leave
Start and end dates
Leave cannot start before the birth.
It must end within 52 weeks of the birth (or due date if the baby is early).
You must give [your line manager | HR] 28 days notice if you want to change your start date.
Pay and benefits
Statutory Paternity Pay is paid at a fixed rate per week (determined in legislation) or 90% of average earnings if that is less. It is paid less tax and National Insurance contributions in the normal way.
During Statutory Paternity Leave, you are entitled to all of your normal contractual terms and conditions as if you were not absent, apart from basic wages and salary. You have the right to return to exactly the same job, on the same terms and conditions after Statutory Paternity Leave.
This policy [does not] form[s] part of your terms and conditions of employment.
Version: [1.0]
Issue date: [date]
Author: [name, job title]