Changes to statutory paternity leave from April 2024

The Paternity Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2024 are set to make changes to how statutory paternity leave is managed.

The changes are in relation to:

• the length of paternity leave
• when it can be taken
• the notice requirements.

New parents will be able to take statutory paternity leave at any point in the first year after the birth or adoption of their child (currently, leave must be taken within the first eight weeks) and will be able to split their leave into two separate blocks of one week (rather than having to take two consecutive weeks).

The notice period is also changing. Under current legislation, employees must give notice that they intend to take leave 15 weeks prior to the expected week of childbirth. This will be shortened to 28 days’ notice. However, notice of entitlement must still be given 15 weeks before the birth or expected date for adoption.

The Paternity Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2024 will come into effect on 6 April 2024. This aligns with several other imminent family-friendly regulations, including the introduction of carers leave, enhanced redundancy protections for new parents, and amendments to flexible working rights.

Contact our HR Consultants today

If you have any questions or for more information on maternity, paternity, shared parental or adoption leave, please get in touch with our specialist team by filling out our online enquiry form or by calling 0333 222 0989.