Looking for some time off to support your partner after the birth of a child or following an adoption?
See below for guidance on maternity/adoption support and paternity leave and pay.
Maternity and Adoption Support Leave and Pay
Support Leave of 1 week with normal pay will be granted to the spouse or partner or nominated carer of an expectant mother or of someone taking adoption leave at or around the time of birth or placement. The nominated carer is the person nominated by the mother or the person taking adoption leave to assist in the care of the child and to provide support to her/him.
Statutory Paternity Leave and Pay
In addition to the maternity support leave described above, an employee who is the spouse or partner of an expectant mother and who has at least 26 weeks’ continuous service at the start of the 15th week before the baby is due is entitled to a further week’s Statutory Paternity Leave (SPL) and an additional two weeks Occupational Paternity Leave (OPL).
In addition to the adoption support leave described above, an employee who is the spouse or partner of a person taking adoption leave and who has at least 26 weeks’ continuous service at the start of the notification week is entitled to a further week’s SPL.
Further information on Paternity Leave can be found here.