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.

Tell us you're taking paternity leave

Tell your line manager you’re planning to take paternity leave as soon as possible even if you're not sure of the exact dates. You need to tell them by:  

  • 15 weeks before the baby is due where it is possible to do so, or 
  • within 7 days of being notified that you have been matched with a child for adoption 

If your partner is having a baby or you are adopting a child

Complete the Request for paternity leave form (DOCX, 74KB) and upload it to the Assyst portal.  

You’ll need to include the:  

  • date the baby is due or is due to be placed with you
  • date or dates you’re planning to take paternity leave  
  • number of weeks (1 or 2) you’ll be on leave 

Changing the start date of your leave 

If you want to change your paternity leave start date, you must tell your manager and wherever possible, give Payroll 28 days’ notice by completing a new paternity leave start date form and uploading it to the Assyst portal.

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