Bereaved Partner's Paternity Leave Guidance Notes

These guidance notes explain the statutory right to bereaved partner’s paternity leave and how an employer should handle a request. The right applies where a child’s mother, primary adopter or primary intended parent dies on or after 6 April 2026.

What the guidance notes cover

Who qualifies. They explain who qualifies and how much leave is available.

Notice and changes. They cover notice, changing or cancelling the leave and what happens if the child dies or the arrangements end.

Pay, benefits and return. They deal with pay and other leave, benefits, holiday and keeping in touch days and the right to return. They also cover redundancy and protection from unfair treatment.

The notes are designed to be read with our Bereaved Partner's Paternity Leave Policy.

Bereaved Partner's Paternity Leave Guidance Notes is part of Employment. Just £38.50 + VAT provides unlimited downloads from Employment for 1 year.