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Home > Resources > HR compliance > Absence management > Paternity leave: an employer’s guide
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Paternity leave: an employer’s guide

This guide explains the statutory entitlement for fathers or partners to take two weeks’ paternity leave following the birth or adoption of a child.

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By Jo Broadbent and Hogan Lovells

This guide explains the statutory entitlement for fathers or partners to take two weeks’ paternity leave following the birth or adoption of a child.

In this guide, learn about:

  • Right to paternity leave
  • Entitlement to paternity leave (birth)
  • Notice of intention to take paternity leave (birth)
  • Cancelling or varying period of paternity leave (birth)
  • Entitlement to paternity leave (UK adoption)
  • Notice of intention to take paternity leave (UK adoption)
  • Cancelling or varying period of paternity leave (UK adoption)
  • Entitlement to paternity leave (overseas adoption)
  • Notice of intention to take paternity leave (overseas adoption)
  • Cancelling or varying period of paternity leave (overseas adoption)
  • Timing of paternity leave
    • Timing of paternity leave (birth)
    • Timing of paternity leave (UK adoption)
    • Timing of paternity leave (overseas adoption)
  • Statutory rights during paternity leave
  • Right to return after paternity leave
  • Detrimental treatment or dismissal related to paternity leave
  • Time off for fathers for antenatal appointments
  • Future developments
    • Day-one right to paternity leave
    • Ability to take paternity leave following shared parental leave
    • Review of parental leave and pay
    • Bereaved partner’s paternity leave

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Latest updates

Updated to reflect that Bereaved partner’s paternity leave will come into effect from 6 April 2026.

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About the author

Jo Broadbent

Counsel Knowledge Lawyer, Hogan Lovells

Jo Broadbent is a counsel knowledge lawyer in the employment team at law firm Hogan Lovells. In addition to keeping clients and the team up to date with legal developments, she has extensive experience of developing and presenting internal and external client training courses and workshops.

Jo is a former chair of the Employment Lawyers Association training committee. She is a co-author of the book “Informing and consulting employees: the new law” and frequently writes articles for the HR and legal press. She has a particular interest in shared parental leave and other family-friendly rights.

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