Can I take paternity leave if I just started my job?
Yes. For babies born on or after 6 April 2026, paternity leave is a Day One right. You can give notice to take your two weeks of leave from your first day of employment. Note: While the leave is immediate, qualifying for Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) still requires a period of continuous employment. This leave applies to each child without limits.
Employees are still required to have 26 weeks continuous service for statutory paternity pay. They can take it within the first 52 weeks of the birth of the child. The WEU currently campaign for various Parental leave issues.
The WEU would advise that if you're unsure to email the office for tailored advice.
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