Paternity Leave Rules in the UK
Last updated 12 November 2026 · Paternity Leave Calculator editorial team
In England, Scotland and Wales, eligible employees can take Statutory Paternity Leave and may receive Statutory Paternity Pay. Here's how it works, based on GOV.UK guidance.
How much leave
You can choose 1 week or 2 weeks of paternity leave. Since April 2024, the 2 weeks can be taken together or as two separate weeks, at any time within 52 weeks of the birth.
Statutory Paternity Pay
From 6 April 2026, Statutory Paternity Pay is £194.32 a week or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. Tax and National Insurance are deducted. To qualify for pay, your average weekly earnings must be at least the Lower Earnings Limit (£129 a week for 2026/27).
Eligibility and notice
You usually need to be an employee with 26 weeks' continuous employment by the end of the 15th week before the due week. You must tell your employer at least 15 weeks before the due week that you intend to take leave, and give 28 days' notice before each period of leave.
Self-employed people are not eligible for Statutory Paternity Leave or Pay.
Shared Parental Leave
Separately, parents may be able to share up to 50 weeks of leave and up to 37 weeks of pay through Shared Parental Leave.
Work out your own dates
Use our free calculator to estimate your leave start, end and return date.
Open the calculatorThis guide summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Rules change — confirm your entitlement with your employer or the relevant authority.