5. Paternity leave
‘Paternity leave’ is one or two consecutive weeks’ leave to support the mother or care for the child. To qualify, you must be the:
■father of the child;
■mother’s husband or partner;*
■child’s adopter;
■husband or partner* of the child’s adopter; or
■intended parent (if you are having a baby through a surrogacy arrangement).
* including same-sex partners
You must meet strict notice conditions. Paternity leave must be taken within 52 weeks of the birth or adoption placement. You can use an online form to notify your employer (available from: ).
, regs 4-14
Leave for antenatal appointments – If you are a permanent employee and in the list above, you are entitled to unpaid leave to accompany a pregnant woman to two antenatal appointments. If you are an agency worker, you need to have been doing the job for 12 weeks to qualify.