Paternity eligibility
We use ‘paternity leave’ in this guidance because is the statutory term used in law, but you can take paternity leave regardless of your sexuality, gender or identity.
When you take time off because your partner is having a baby, adopting a child or having a baby through a surrogacy arrangement, you might be eligible for:
- 1 or 2 weeks’ paid paternity leave
- paternity pay
- shared parental leave and pay
Family journey buddy scheme
The Family Journey Buddy Scheme connects Essex County Council colleagues with buddies, to help support them on the journey to having a family and becoming a working parent.