The Government has published draft regulations setting out proposed changes for those taking statutory paternity leave where the expected week of childbirth starts on or after 6 April 2024.
At present, only one period of paternity leave of wither one or two continuous leave can be taken within 56 days of the birth. The new regime will allow leave to be taken in two separate one week blocks, at any time in the 52 weeks after birth.
Employees will still have to give notice of their entitlement to the Employer 15 weeks before the Expected Week of Childbirth, however, only 28 days’ notice of a planned week of leave is required.
Employers will need to review and update their Paternity Leave policy ahead of the implementation date.