# How much paternity leave do partners get in the UK? | Clever Mum > Statutory paternity leave is up to 2 weeks, paid at the flat statutory rate (or 90% of earnings if lower), taken within 52 weeks of birth — and it can now be * [ Home ](/) * › [ Mum Answers ](/answers) * › How much paternity leave do partners get in the UK? Money & Rights # How much paternity leave do partners get in the UK? Quick answer — How much paternity leave do partners get in the UK? Statutory paternity leave is up to 2 weeks, paid at the flat statutory rate (or 90% of earnings if lower), taken within 52 weeks of birth — and it can now be split into two separate one-week blocks. Notice rules apply, and many employers offer more, so check the contract. Shared Parental Leave can add much longer stretches. ## 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](/pregnancy/maternity-leave-and-pay-uk) walks through how the schemes interact. **Go deeper:** [Maternity pay explained](/pregnancy/maternity-leave-and-pay-uk/) ## More Money & Rights questions * [Is Child Benefit worth claiming if I earn over the threshold?](/answers/is-child-benefit-worth-claiming/) * [How do free childcare hours work in England?](/answers/free-childcare-hours-uk/) * [How do I reconfirm free childcare hours every 3 months?](/answers/childcare-reconfirm-checklist-uk/) * [What is the Sure Start Maternity Grant?](/answers/sure-start-maternity-grant/) * [Do I get free prescriptions and dental care while pregnant?](/answers/free-prescriptions-dental-pregnant/) [Browse every question we answer →](/answers/) Health answers describe NHS guidance and are not medical advice — for anything urgent, call 111 (or 999 in an emergency). Spotted something out of date? Email [editors@clevermum.co.uk](mailto:editors@clevermum.co.uk).