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A short practical guide to statutory paternity leave, paternity pay, the 2026 eligibility changes, and where Shared Parental Leave may fit instead.
Acas says an eligible employee can choose to take 1 or 2 weeks of statutory paternity leave. GOV.UK says paternity leave can be taken at any time in the first 52 weeks after the birth.
GOV.UK says the statutory weekly rate for 2026 to 2027 is £194.32, or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. The 2026 to 2027 lower earnings limit is £129 a week.
GOV.UK says that from 6 April 2026 employees become eligible for Paternity Leave from their first day of employment. GOV.UK also says that during part of 2026 some employees do not need to give the usual 15 weeks’ notice of the due date because of this changeover.
GOV.UK says parents may be able to share up to 50 weeks of leave and up to 37 weeks of pay through Shared Parental Leave and Pay in the first year after birth or placement.
Used for employee/pay eligibility, the qualifying week, and notice requirements.
Used for the temporary 2026 notice change linked to the first-day employment rule.
Used for the overview that parents may share up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay.
Used for practical, worker-facing framing of paternity leave and pay.
