Nigel working in finance asks "How many weeks am I entitled for paternity leave?"

If you have a question or are unsure of your rights, if you need support or representation, freephone ROI 1800 81 91 91 NI 0800 358 0071 or email us at advice@fsunion.org - If you are unable to call us, please complete the confidential form HERE and we will respond directly.

In ROI

Hi Nigel, You are entitled to 2 weeks paternity leave which must be taken consecutively. You may begin paternity leave at any time within the first 6 months following the birth or adoption of a child.

All employees (including casual workers), regardless of how long you have been working for the organisation or the number of hours worked per week, are eligible.

Your employer is not obliged to pay you for paternity leave although your contract could provide for additional rights to payment during the leave period. You may qualify for Paternity Benefit of €245 (weekly) if you have enough PRSI contributions.

In NI

Hi Nigel, if you meet the eligibility criteria, you’re entitled to up to two weeks of statutory paternity leave when your partner has a baby, or if you’re adopting.

Here’s the breakdown:

You can take either one week or two consecutive weeks, you can’t split them up.

The leave must be taken within 56 days of the birth (or adoption placement).

You need to give your employer at least 15 weeks’ notice before the baby’s due date, or within 7 days of being matched with a child if adopting.

To qualify, you must:

Be an employee (not just a worker or self-employed),

Have worked for your employer for at least 26 weeks by the end of the 15th week before the baby is due (or the week you’re matched for adoption),

Be taking the time off to care for the child and/or support the mother or primary adopter.

Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) is currently £172.48 a week (as of April 2024), or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. Some employers offer enhanced pay, so check your contract or staff handbook.

You can also take unpaid parental leave later on if you need more time, and you might be eligible for Shared Parental Leave, which can give you more flexibility.

If your employer refuses or tries to short-change you, contact your union rep, you may have a case.