Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave - April 2026

If your child dies or your adoption placement is disrupted

If you would otherwise have qualified for bereaved partner's paternity leave, but your child also dies (including where they are stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy) or the adoption placement is disrupted, you may still be able to take up to eight weeks of unpaid leave.

A placement is disrupted where the child is returned after having been placed for adoption, or, in the case of an overseas adoption, the child ceases to live with you.

If this applies, your leave must end on whichever comes first:

•    eight weeks following the end of the week in which the death or disruption occurs; or
•    the end of the normal 52-week paternity leave eligibility period.

Before your leave can begin under this section, you will need to confirm the date and nature of what has happened. Please contact your line manager as soon as you are able so that we can discuss your entitlement to leave and other support that may be available.

This entitlement does not apply if you have returned to work following a period of bereaved partner's paternity leave in respect of the same child.