On 8^th March 2024, the new Paternity Leave (Amendment) Regulations come into force. The Regulations will change the way paternity leave is dealt with, particularly in relation to the requirements regarding notice and evidence. It will also make changes to the period within which paternity leave must be taken and the requirement to take paternity leave in a continuous period.

Currently, eligible employed fathers and partners can take either one or two consecutive weeks of paid paternity leave within the first eight weeks following the birth of their child or adoption placement. At the moment, whilst the father is entitled to two weeks, they cannot take one week then a break and another week at another time.

The new Regulations will make changes to these requirements and will replace other regulations in doing so. The changes will be as follows:

• Eligible fathers will be able to take their leave as two one-week, non-consecutive, blocks;
• Eligible fathers can take their leave at any point during the first year after the birth or adoption of the child, as opposed to just within the first 8 weeks;
• The notice period for each period of leave will shorten to four weeks, which means leave can be taken at shorter notice, to accommodate any changing needs of the eligible father’s family;
• The eligible father can change or vary the dates of their leave, provided they give at least 28 days’ notice.

The changes will apply to babies whose expected week of birth begins after 6^th April 2024 or adoption date is on or after 6^th April 2024.

Please note that this is a very brief summary of the changes to parental leave rights. The contents of this article do not constitute legal advice.  If you require any further information or if you would like our assistance in amending any policy please contact us at employment@berrysmith.com or on 02920 345 511.