Paternity leave

Get up to 2 weeks' leave in the first 8 weeks of your child being born or adopted if you're the father, partner, adopter or intended parent.

Overview

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: