April 2003
Listen up dads!
At the beginning of this month, a raft of new measures were introduced by the government to improve paternity rights. Under the new legislation, fathers are, for the first time, entitled to either one or two consecutive weeks paid paternity leave.
“This is an important milestone and is intended to help working fathers achieve a better work life balance.” Says Amanda Robb, Manager of Aberdeen-based recruitment company Thorpe Molloy.
“Fathers will benefit greatly from the new measures and its good news that the new paternity rights are not solely for biological fathers, but also for individuals who expect to have responsibility for the child or are the mother’s partner.”
Fathers will be paid a minimum of £100 a week, or 90% of their average weekly earning if this is less, for two weeks, known as Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP). The leave can be taken from the date of birth or up to eight weeks from the birth.
“Employers need to be aware of how the new measures will affect their business,” continued Amanda.
“It is expected that the take-up rate will be minimal, however, even a short period of absence can have an impact on efficiency and business continuity.
“Employers may therefore want to plan temporary cover as they would for normal short holiday periods.
“The types of businesses that are most likely to be affected by the new legislation are small employers and sectors, such as the oil and gas industry, that traditionally employ a large proportion of men.”
Employers are able to recover 92% of SPP they pay out in the same way as they can claim back Statutory Maternity Pay, while companies who are eligible for small employer’s relief can claim back 100%.
To qualify for paternity leave, the man must have worked for his employer 26 weeks by the 15th week before the baby is due and earn more than the Lower Earning Limit (currently £75). He must notify his employer of the date he wants to start paternity leave in the 15th week before the baby is due.
Employees on paternity leave are entitled to return to the same job following their paternity leave. They are also entitled to benefit from their normal terms and conditions of employment, except those relating to wages or salary.
The DTI provides a booklet entitled Maternity right: A Guide for Employers and Employees, which sets out maternity rights and the requirements of the law in detail. Further information about the new legislation can be obtained by contacting the DTI on 0870 1502 500
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