How much paternity leave do partners get in the UK?

How statutory paternity leave now works

Since April 2024, the two weeks no longer have to be taken in one block within 56 days of birth: partners can split them into two separate one-week blocks, taken any time in the first year. That flexibility is genuinely useful — one week at birth, one when maternity leave ends and the solo-parenting transition hits, is a popular pattern.

Pay is the flat statutory weekly rate (or 90% of average earnings if that's lower) — the same flat rate as SMP after its first six weeks. Eligibility needs 26 weeks' service by the 15th week before the due date, and notice of intent by that same 15th week (dates can be changed later with 28 days' notice).

Check the contract before assuming statutory

Enhanced paternity pay — anything from full pay for two weeks to several months — is increasingly common, especially at larger employers. The statutory scheme is the floor, not the norm everywhere.

Beyond two weeks

Shared Parental Leave lets the mother convert untaken maternity leave into leave either parent can use — up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 of pay to divide between you, usable in blocks. The paperwork is real but the flexibility can transform the first year; our maternity pay guide walks through how the schemes interact.