Changes to statutory paternity leave and pay regulations
On 8 March 2024, legislation changes to statutory paternity leave and pay regulations will come into effect in England, Scotland and Wales.
The changes will apply to children who are due to be born or placed for adoption after 6 April 2024. The following statutory provisions will change:
- fathers and partners can choose to split their leave and pay into two non-consecutive periods of leave of a week each
- fathers and partners will be able to take their leave and pay at any time at any time during the first 52 weeks of the birth or the placement of the child for adoption
- employees will need to inform their employer of their entitlement to their leave 15 weeks before the expected week of childbirth, however, employees will only need to give 28 days’ notice of the dates they wish to take.
Section 15.112 of the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook will be updated on 8 March 2024 to reflect the changes to the regulations. This will include the option to split into two one-week blocks and leave can be taken at any time during the first year of the birth or the placement of the child for adoption.
Next steps for employers
Employers will need to review local policies and procedures in partnership with staff sides to ensure compliance with the legislation changes.
Read full details of these changes in the Paternity Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2024.
