Statutory Paternity Pay and Leave: employer guide

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Notice period

The notice periods and forms are different if the employee is adopting.

Statutory Paternity Leave

For babies expected before or on 6 April 2024, employees must tell you at least 15 weeks before the baby is expected:

  • the due date
  • when they want their leave to start
  • how much leave they want

For babies expected after 6 April 2024, employees must tell you the due date at least 15 weeks before the baby is expected. They must tell you when they want their leave to start, and how much leave they want to take, at least 28 days before.

Notice does not have to be in writing unless you request it.

Employees can ask for leave and pay in writing using the online form. This replaces form SC3. Employees will need to download or print the form after completing it and give you a copy.

Statutory Paternity Pay

Employees must claim paternity pay at least 15 weeks before the week the baby is expected.

Notice does not have to be in writing unless you request it.

Employees can ask for leave and pay in writing using the online form. Employees will need to download or print the form after completing it and give you a copy.

Employees having a baby through a surrogacy arrangement can use form SC4 to request leave and pay.

Late notice

You can delay the leave or pay start date if the employee does not have a reasonable excuse for giving you the wrong amount of notice. To delay it, write to them within 28 days of their leave request.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Part of Get your business ready to employ staff: step by step

  1. Step 1 Decide what type of employee you need

    1. Check whether you need full time or part time staff
    2. Check the different types of employment status

  2. and Check you can afford to take on employees

    1. Check how much the National Minimum Wage is
    2. Find out how much National Insurance you need to pay for your employees
    3. Check how much sick pay your employees are eligible for
    4. Check how much you need to pay towards your employee's pension
    5. Check how much Maternity Leave you need to pay your employees
    6. Check how much Paternity Leave you need to pay your employees

  3. Step 2 Make your workplace safe and accessible for employees

    1. Prevent discrimination
    2. Make your workplace accessible for employees with disabilities or health conditions
    3. Keep employee information and data safe
    4. Fire safety
    5. Health and safety

    You also need to make checks when you recruit and employ someone.

    1. Find out what you need to check when you employ someone

  4. Step 3 Register as an employer and set up PAYE

    You need to register with HMRC so you can pay tax and national insurance for your employees.

    1. Register as an employer and set up PAYE
    2. Choose how to run payroll
    3. If you decide to run payroll yourself, choose payroll software

  5. Step 4 Check your responsibilities around workplace pensions

    1. Understand your pension responsibilities as an employer

  6. Step 5 Get Employers' Liability insurance

    1. Find out about Employers' Liability insurance

  7. Step 6 Recruit and employ staff

    1. Employ someone