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Parents & carers

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    Introduction

    This factsheet provides information about the rights your PA is entitled to regarding paternity, adoption leave, and parental bereavement leave which enables them to continue their job alongside any caring responsibilities they may have.

    Working parents and carers have a range of statutory rights covering:

    • Paternity leave and pay
    • Shared parental leave
    • Adoption leave and pay
    • Parental leave
    • Parental bereavement leave

    Paternity leave & pay

    PAs may be eligible for Statutory Paternity Leave and pay if they and their partner are:

    • having a baby
    • adopting a child
    • having a baby through a surrogacy arrangement

    Eligibility

    Your PA must be one of the following, the:

    • father
    • husband or partner of the mother (or adopter)
    • child’s adopter
    • intended parent (if they’re having a baby through a surrogacy arrangement)

    Your PA must also:

    • be classed as an employee (paternity leave only)
    • be employed by you up to the date the child is born (or placed with the adopter) (paternity pay only)
    • be on your payroll and earn at least £129 a week (gross) in an 8 week ‘relevant period’ (paternity pay only)

    give you the correct notice before the end of the qualifying week (the 15th week before

    Last updated:  13th March, 2026

     

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