Additional paternity leave from April 2011
A number of new statutory instruments have recently come into force to prepare for the changes to the paternity leave rules from 3 April 2011. As a consequence of the introduction of additional statutory paternity pay, ‘statutory paternity pay’ is to be re-named ‘ordinary statutory paternity pay’ in a number of pieces of legislation relating to social security, income tax etc.
From 3 April 2011, new fathers who meet the necessary requirements will be entitled to ordinary statutory paternity pay as before. However, the Government is also introducing additional statutory paternity pay for fathers of children.
This new law will give fathers a right to up to six months extra leave which can be taken once the mother has returned to work. It will be paid at the same standard rate as statutory maternity pay (SMP), which is currently £124.88 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings, if that is less.