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The government has announced its intention
to introduce Additional Paternity Leave
and Pay for fathers of children due on or
after 3 April 2011.
The government will consult shortly on
new regulations that will give families
greater flexibility in how they choose to
look after their children.
As detailed in the press release:
- Families will have the choice to
transfer up to six months leave to the
father should they want to, which can be
taken by the father once the mother has
returned to work.
- This new provision will be available
during the second six months of the
child’s life, giving parents the option
of dividing a period of paid leave
entitlement between them.
- Some of the leave may be paid if
taken during the mother’s 39 week
maternity pay period. This would be paid
at the same rate as Statutory Maternity
Pay (generally £123.06 per week).
- Parents will be required to ‘self
certify’ by providing details of their
eligibility to their employer. Employers
and HMRC will both be able to carry out
further checks of entitlement if
necessary.
Harriet Harman, Minister for Women and
Equality, said:
“Mothers will be able to choose to
transfer the last six months of their
maternity leave to the father, with three
months paid. This gives families radically
more choice and flexibility in how they
balance work and care of children, and
enables fathers to play a bigger part in
bringing up their children.”
Internet links:
HMRC guidance
Press release |
