A paternity leave letter in the UK is a formal notice that secures your statutory rights, including the right to take leave in non-consecutive blocks. Under the Paternity and Adoption Leave Regulations 2002 (as amended by the 2024 changes), you can now take paternity leave as one continuous block or as two separate weeks within the first 52 weeks of your child’s birth.

Key Takeaways

  • You are entitled to 1 or 2 consecutive weeks of paternity leave — or two separate weeks under the 2024 flexible paternity leave rules.
  • You must notify your employer by the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth (EWC) — or within 7 days of the birth if it is unexpected.
  • Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) is £184.03 per week (2026 rate) or 90% of your earnings, whichever is lower.
  • You must be an employee, have 26 weeks’ continuous service by the 15th week before the EWC, and have a relationship with the child or the mother.
  • Paternity leave must be taken within 52 weeks of the birth, and you can choose whether to take it in one block or two separate weeks.
  • Your job is protected throughout paternity leave — you have the right to return to the same job.

Template Letter: Paternity Leave Application

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

[Manager's Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Subject: Paternity Leave Notification — [Your Name]

Dear [Manager's Name],

I am writing to formally notify you of my intention to take paternity leave following the birth of my child.

The expected week of childbirth (EWC) is [Week Beginning Date], with a due date of [Date].

I plan to take my paternity leave as follows:
- Please tick one: [ ] One continuous week from [Start Date] / [ ] Two continuous weeks from [Start Date] / [ ] Two separate weeks — Week 1: [Date] and Week 2: [Date]

I intend to start my paternity leave on [Start Date], which is [number] days after the birth.

I meet the eligibility criteria: I have been employed with [Company Name] for [X] months and have a [relationship to child — e.g., I am the child's father / the mother's partner].

During my absence, [Name] will cover [key responsibility]. I will ensure all pending tasks are handed over before my leave begins.

Please confirm receipt of this notification and let me know if you need any additional information or documentation.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

Paternity Leave Entitlements

Entitlement Details
Leave length 1 or 2 weeks (continuous) — or up to 2 non-consecutive weeks under 2024 rules
Statutory Paternity Pay £184.03/week or 90% of average weekly earnings (whichever is lower) — 2026 rate
When to take it Within 52 weeks of the birth
Notice period 15 weeks before the EWC
Service requirement 26 weeks continuous employment by the 15th week before the EWC
Job protection Full protection — right to return to the same job
Annual leave accrual Continues during paternity leave
Pension contributions Employer contributions continue

2024 Flexible Paternity Leave Rules

The 2024 changes to paternity leave gave employees more flexibility:

Before 2024 From 2024
Must take paternity leave in one continuous block Can take 1 or 2 non-consecutive weeks
Must notify employer of exact dates upfront Can give shorter notice if plans change
Notice period: 15 weeks before EWC Same — but flexible on final dates
Return date fixed at notification Can vary return with less notice

Under the new rules, you can take one week of paternity leave immediately after the birth and the second week months later — for example, when your partner returns to work.

Who Is Eligible for Paternity Leave

You qualify for paternity leave if you are an employee and:

  • You have been continuously employed by the same employer for at least 26 weeks ending with the 15th week before the EWC.
  • You are the father of the child, the mother’s partner, or the intended parent in a surrogacy arrangement.
  • You are taking time off to support the mother or care for the child.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I split my paternity leave into non-consecutive weeks?

Yes. Under the 2024 rules, you can take your paternity leave as two separate non-consecutive weeks. Each week must be taken within the first 52 weeks of the child’s birth.

Do I need a doctor’s note or proof of pregnancy?

No. Your employer may ask for a declaration confirming your relationship to the child and the mother’s EWC. They cannot require a medical certificate or other documentation beyond a reasonable request for confirmation.

What if I want to take more than 2 weeks of paternity leave?

You can use annual leave, unpaid leave, or shared parental leave to extend your time off beyond the 2-week paternity leave entitlement. Speak to your employer about which option works best.

Is paternity leave paid?

Statutory Paternity Pay is £184.03 per week (2026 rate) or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. Some employers offer enhanced paternity pay on top of the statutory minimum — check your employment contract.

Can my employer refuse my paternity leave request?

No. Paternity leave is a statutory right if you meet the eligibility criteria. Your employer cannot refuse the leave, though they may ask you to adjust the dates if there is a genuine operational reason — but this must be negotiated, not imposed.

Track Paternity Leave Without the Paperwork

Leave Balance helps employees request paternity leave, tracks SPP eligibility, and keeps managers informed — so everyone knows who is out, for how long, and who is covering their work.

You can take advantage of the free 14 days trial and explore Leave Balance.