IMI Employment expert Sally–Anne Hodder
Two weeks Paternity Leave and Pay is currently available to fathers who have been employed for 26 weeks prior to the end of the 15th week before the birth of the baby. It sounds complicated, but it means if you've been in your job since before the conception of your child, the time off and the pay are yours.
To claim the time off work, you will need to give your employer notice of your intention to take parental leave, at least 15 weeks before the baby is due. You must tell them when the baby is going to arrive, when you want to start your leave, and whether you intend to take one or two consecutive weeks (you cannot take odd days). Statutory Paternity Pay is not the same as your wages, unless your employer tops it up, so this may effect how much of the leave you decide to take. You may also have to provide this information in writing, so please do check this out.
You can apply for your Statutory Paternity Pay at the same time as your leave, although you do have up until 28 days before the birth to claim. My advice, particularly if it’s your first child, is get as much organised as you can, as early as you can. You’ll thank me if you do, I promise.
Bonus package for fathers
In April 2015 the Government is delivering a bonus package for fathers. You will then be able to apply for a share of the maternity leave entitlement of the mother, as long as you both meet the employment eligibility criteria for statutory maternity/paternity rights.
After the first two weeks after the birth of your baby you can arrange to take shared leave, either in blocks or in partial weeks so you can both keep in touch with your jobs.
At least two of the main political parties are promising to extend Paternity and Maternity Leave and Pay after the next election, and a debate has begun about how these rights weigh on businesses. My personal view is that resistance to flexibility for employees, so they can manage their personal lives, is counterproductive for business.
Greater productivity and a lower staff turnover
With time becoming an increasingly valuable commodity for all of us, the employers who offer the greatest work-life balance to their people will benefit from greater productivity and a lower staff turnover. According to a report from Sodexo, the biggest services company in the world, 75% of employees say flexibility is one of their top priorities when choosing job. So clearly flexibility at work is an idea pregnant with possibility.
If you have a comment on this or any other employment issue please contact:
Email: randr@theimi.org.uk.