LAST UPDATED MARCH 2024

This policy sets out your rights and responsibilities in regards to paternity leave and paternity pay. Ordinary Paternity Leave (OPL) referred to in this policy is where you can take up to a maximum of 2 weeks leave.

The following definitions are used in this policy:

• ‘Expected week of childbirth’ (EWC) means the week, starting on a Sunday, during which your doctor or midwife expects you to give birth (stated on the MATB1 form).
• ‘Qualifying week’ means the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth.

QUALIFYING FOR PATERNITY LEAVE

You will qualify for OPL if:

• You have been continuously employed by the agency for 26 weeks or more by the end of the 15th week before the EWC;
• You are the biological father of your child and/or the mother’s husband or partner (including same-sex partners);
• You have, or expect to have, responsibility for your child’s upbringing and;
• You give the agency proper notification of your intention to take paternity leave in accordance with the terms set out below.

TIME OFF TO ATTEND UP TO TWO ANTENANTAL APPOINTMENTS

If you qualify for the right (see below), you may take time off to go with the expectant mother to up to two ante-natal appointments. If you wish to go to more than two ante-natal appointments, we would normally expect you to take annual leave. You should discuss this with your manager.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR TIME OFF?

You will qualify if you are the baby’s biological father or the mother’s partner (as a spouse, a civil partner or a partner in an enduring family relationship including same-sex partners).

TAKING THE TIME OFF:

You should tell us as soon as possible (and preferably at least two weeks in advance) if you wish to take time off to go to an ante-natal appointment. You should also give us details of the date and time of the appointment.

Although the right to take time off is capped at 6 and a half hours for each appointment, in most cases we expect the time taken to be less. Once you know the appointment arrangements, please discuss your working arrangements for that day with your manager. If for any special reason you think 6 and a half hours will not be sufficient, you should discuss this with your manager.