Paternity Leave Documents (Birth)

This Paternity Leave Documents (Birth) subfolder contains documents for use where an employee wishes to take paternity leave because their wife, civil partner or partner is expecting a child. In respect of paternity leave following adoption, see the separate document folders relating to adoption within Great Britain and from overseas.

Included in this selection of paternity leave templates is a Roadmap laying out the timing and details of changes to paternity leave in line with the Employment Rights Act. This Employment Rights Act Roadmap will be updated as the changes are implemented. Employers should be aware that as of 6 April 2026 paternity leave will become a right that applies as of day one of employment. Currently, this right applies as of 26 weeks’ service with an employer, assessed 15 weeks before the Expected Week of Childbirth. From 18 February 2026, newly eligible employees can give notice of their intention to take paternity leave.

The Paternity Leave Documents (Birth) subfolder contains a Paternity Leave Policy (Birth), template letters, leave notices and declarations. We have also included documents needed for procedures when the employee returns to work, such as flexible working request and appeal templates.

See also the separate Shared Parental Leave subfolder.

Paternity Leave Documents (Birth) is part of Employment. Just £38.50 + VAT provides unlimited downloads from Employment for 1 year.

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All Maternity and Paternity