• Paternity leave may be taken in respect of natural children and adopted children

• It must be taken within 56 days beginning with the date the child is born or placed for adoption.

• It is for the specific purpose of caring for the child and supporting the mother (or adoptive parent).

You must:

• Give your employer a self-certificate of entitlement to leave.

• Have continuous service with the same employer for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth (or by the week in which an approved adoption match is made).

Employees taking paternity leave have employment protection rights (for example, the right to

return and protection from detriment and unfair dismissal).

Paternity pay is 90% of the employee's average weekly earnings or £100, whichever is lower. To

qualify you must earn not less than the lower earnings limit for National Insurance Contributions.