The Paternity Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2024 come into effect on 6 April 2024. This follows an announcement of intent by the government last summer to amend the right to paternity leave.

At the moment, employees have to take any paternity leave, whether one or two weeks, in one block.  The new legislation will enable them to be able to take two separate one-week of paternity leave.  They will also be able to take it at any time within the 52 weeks after the birth of their child, not 56 days as is the current time limit.

Another positive change is that employees will only need to give 28 days’ notice of their intention to take paternity leave, which is significantly less than the current position that requires notice to be given 15 weeks before the expected week of childbirth.

This is a positive change for employees who want to take paternity leave, as it allows for a great deal more flexibility and I am sure many will make use of splitting their paternity leave and taking it later in the year after the birth of their child.

As can be seen from above, there are a number of significant changes coming in the family friendly rights of employment law. 

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Paul Burton, Employment Law Solicitor.