Thackray Williams

From 6 April 2010 the Additional Paternity Leave Regulations 2010 are due to come into force.

These Regulations provide that:

• paternity leave will be for a maximum of 26 weeks and minimum of 2 weeks;

• that it must not start until at least 20 weeks after the birth or placement for adoption;

• that it must end not later than 12 months after the birth or placement for adoption; and

• that it may only be taken in multiples of complete weeks.

Fathers will be entitled to up to six months additional paternity leave provided the mother has returned to work. These new rights give parents the option of dividing a period of paid leave entitlement between them. To the extent that additional paternity leave is taken during the mother's 39 week maternity pay period it will be paid leave, paid at the same rate and in the same way as Statutory Maternity Pay. 

For more information contact Emma Thompson on 020 8290 0440 or email:emma.thompson@thackraywilliams.com