Paternity Pay and Leave

When you take time off because your partner’s having a baby, adopting a child or having a baby through a surrogacy arrangement you might be eligible for (external link)

You may not get both leave and pay, and there are rules on how to claim (external link) and when your leave can start. 

Employment rights when on leave 

Your employment rights (external link) are protected while on paternity leave. This includes your right to: 

  • pay rises 

  • build up (accrue) holiday 

  • return to work 

You can get time off to accompany your partner (or the surrogate mother) to two antenatal appointments. 

If you are adopting a child, you can get time off to attend two adoption appointments after you have been matched with a child.