Draft paternity leave regulations published
Draft secondary legislation to amend paternity rights has been published, which will implement the changes announced last year.
The Paternity Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2024 will come into force on 8 March 2024 and will apply in cases where the Expected Week of Childbirth (EWC) or the expected date of placement for adoption is on or after 6 April 2024. A summary of the key changes are as follows:
- Employees will be able to take their two-week paternity leave entitlement in two blocks of one week instead of having to take just one week in total or two consecutive weeks.
- Employees will be able to take paternity leave at any time in the first year after birth or adoption rather than having to take leave in the first eight weeks.
- The notice period required from employees of their intention to take paternity leave will be reduced to 28 days, instead of 15 weeks before the EWC or placement for adoption.
These proposed changes will apply in England, Wales and Scotland. The changes will coincide with amendments to other family-friendly rights such as enhanced redundancy protection to include pregnancy, and a period following maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, the introduction of carer’s leave, and changes to flexible working rights.
Employers are advised to review their family-friendly policies to ensure they incorporate the upcoming changes.
For more help with paternity rights, please contact the employment law team at Lennons – call 01494 773377.