Paternity Leave Policy - April 2026

Notice to take paternity leave (birth)

Notice of entitlement (birth)

Before you can take paternity leave, you must give your line manager and the Absence Team written notice at least 15 weeks before the expected week of childbirth or as soon as is reasonably practicable. Your notice must confirm:

•    the expected week of childbirth; and
•    that you meet the eligibility requirements to take paternity leave.

All absences should be covered by a MATB1 certificate which is provided to the pregnant partner by the Midwife/Doctor at around 20 weeks into the pregnancy.

You should inform your manager and the Absence Team by completing the application form Paternity Leave Application Form 2026 or through My View via My Forms or as soon as reasonably practicable.

Period of leave notice (birth)

Each time that you wish to take a period of paternity leave, you must discuss the dates required with your line manager if agreed, make a further application as outlined above.

•    when you want to start your leave (you may take this in one single block or two separate blocks);
•    whether you wish to take one- or two-weeks’ leave; and
•    that the purpose of the leave is to care for the child or support the child's mother.

You can choose to start a period of paternity leave:

•    On the date of your child's birth: Your period of leave notice must reach us at least 28 days before the first day of the expected week of childbirth.
•    A set number of days after your child's birth: Your period of leave notice must reach us at least 28 days before the date that falls that set number of days counted from the first day of the expected week of childbirth.
•    On a predetermined date: This date must be no earlier than the first day of the expected week of childbirth. Your period of leave notice must reach us at least 28 days before that predetermined date.