Paternity Leave & Pay in the UK: Dad's Complete Guide 2026/27

Paternity Leave and Pay — A Guide for Fathers

Becoming a father is an exciting time, and UK law provides specific rights for new dads (and partners) to take time off work. This guide covers everything you need to know about paternity leave and Statutory Paternity Pay for 2026/27.

What Is Paternity Leave?

Paternity leave gives eligible employees the right to take either one or two consecutive weeks off work when their baby is born (or when an adopted child is placed with them). From April 2024, paternity leave became more flexible — you can now take it in two separate one-week blocks rather than as a single continuous period.

Key Changes from April 2024

•Paternity leave can be taken in two separate one-week blocks (previously had to be consecutive)

•Leave can be taken at any point in the first year after birth (previously had to be within 56 days)

•Notice period reduced to 28 days before each week of leave

Who Qualifies for Paternity Leave?

To qualify for Statutory Paternity Leave, you must:

•Be an employee (not self-employed)

•Have worked for your employer for at least 26 continuous weeks by the end of the 15th week before the due date

•Be the baby's biological father, or the mother's partner (including same-sex partners)

•Be taking leave to care for the baby or support the mother

Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) Rates

For 2026/27, Statutory Paternity Pay is:

•£194.32 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings — whichever is lower

•Paid for one or two weeks (matching the leave you take)

•Subject to Income Tax and National Insurance deductions

To qualify for SPP, you must earn at least £129 per week on average.

After Tax

At £194.32/week, SPP is below the NI Primary Threshold (£242/week), so you won't pay National Insurance on it. Income Tax will depend on your cumulative earnings for the tax year, but the amount is usually minimal.

How to Claim Paternity Leave

1.Tell your employer at least 15 weeks before the due date that you want to take paternity leave

2.Complete form SC3 (or your employer's own form) stating your name, the expected due date, how much leave you want, and when

3.Give 28 days' notice before each block of leave

4.Your employer cannot refuse your request if you meet the eligibility criteria

Paternity Leave vs Shared Parental Leave

If two weeks of paternity leave isn't enough, consider Shared Parental Leave (SPL). SPL allows the mother to convert unused maternity leave and pay into shared leave that either parent can take.

With SPL, fathers can take up to 50 weeks of leave (shared with the mother) and receive up to 37 weeks of Shared Parental Leave Pay at £194.32/week.

Which Is Better?

•Paternity leave is simpler and guaranteed — take 1 or 2 weeks without affecting the mother's entitlement

•Shared Parental Leave offers far more flexibility and longer time off, but requires the mother to end her maternity leave early

•You can take both — use paternity leave first, then switch to SPL

Financial Planning for New Fathers

Taking paternity leave means a potential income drop. Here's how to prepare:

•Check your employer's policy — many offer enhanced paternity pay above the statutory minimum

•Calculate your household income during the leave period — combine your SPP with your partner's maternity pay

•Claim Child Benefit — worth £27.05/week for your first child

•Budget for the gap — if your normal weekly pay is significantly above £194.32, plan for the reduction

•Consider timing — with the new flexibility, you can time your leave for when it's most needed

Paternity Leave Rights

During paternity leave, you have the same employment protections as during maternity leave:

•Your job is protected — you're entitled to return to the same role

•You continue to accrue annual leave

•You're protected from unfair dismissal related to taking paternity leave

•Your pension contributions continue (employer contributions based on normal pay)

Self-Employed Fathers

Unfortunately, self-employed fathers have no statutory right to paternity leave or pay. However, you can:

•Plan your own time off from work

•Apply for Universal Credit if your household income drops significantly

•Explore Shared Parental Leave if you become employed

•Check if your professional insurance covers income loss

Plan Your Family's Finances

•Calculate maternity pay — see how much the mother will receive

•Maternity leave planner — key dates for both parents

•Child Benefit calculator — estimate your entitlement

•Take-home pay calculator — after-tax maternity pay

•Financial planning guide — budgeting tips for new parents