Employed fathers now entitled to six months paternity leave

New paternity laws have come into force, giving employed fathers a legal right to up to six months paternity leave.

Starting from 03 April this year, the leave can be paid if taken during the mother’s maternity pay period.

Until now, working dads were only entitled to two weeks of paid paternity leave.

Mothers had 52 weeks of which 39 weeks was paid.

The standard rates of statutory maternity, paternity and adoption pay is also set to increase from £124.88 to £128.73 per week from 3 April 2011.

The new rules will apply to dads whose child is due on or after 03 April 2011 or those who are matched with a child for adoption on or from the same date.

Fathers must have informed their employer in writing at least eight weeks before the start of the leave.

For more information and advice, visit: www.acas.org.uk/paternity