Best Paternity Leave UK: Entitlements, Pay, Benefits and Best Employer Policies in 2026

Paternity leave is an important benefit for new fathers and partners in the UK. It gives parents time to support their partners, care for their newborn babies and adjust to family life after childbirth. However, not all employers offer the same benefits. While some companies provide only the legal minimum, others offer several weeks or even months of fully paid paternity leave.

If you are looking for the best paternity leave in the UK, it is important to understand the difference between statutory paternity leave and enhanced company benefits. Your employer's policy can make a significant difference to how much time you can spend with your family without worrying about lost income.

In this guide, we explain UK paternity leave rules in 2026, how much paternity pay you can receive, eligibility requirements and what to look for when comparing employer benefits.

What Is Paternity Leave in the UK?

Paternity leave is time off work that eligible employees can take when their partner has a baby, adopts a child or has a baby through a surrogacy arrangement.

It allows fathers and partners to support the other parent and take responsibility for caring for their child during the early stages of family life.

In the UK, eligible employees can take up to two weeks of statutory paternity leave. They can take the two weeks together or separately in individual one-week blocks.

However, employers can offer better benefits through enhanced paternity leave policies. These may include longer periods of leave, full salary payments and additional parental support.

According to the UK government, paternity leave is now available from the first day of employment for eligible employees. This change came into effect on 6 April 2026.

How Much Paternity Leave Can You Get in the UK?

Under the statutory system, eligible employees can take up to two weeks of paternity leave.

The leave can be taken in two ways:

• One week: Take one full week after the child's birth or adoption.
• Two weeks: Take both weeks together or separately in two one-week blocks.

A week of paternity leave is based on your normal working week. For example, if you normally work three days a week, one week of paternity leave equals three working days.

Paternity leave cannot start before the child is born. For birth parents, it must finish within 52 weeks of the baby's birth or due date if the baby arrives early.

Some employers offer more than two weeks through their own parental leave policies. These enhanced benefits can provide greater flexibility for families.

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How Much Is Statutory Paternity Pay in 2026?

Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) is the minimum payment eligible employees can receive during their paternity leave.

For the 2026/27 tax year, the statutory weekly rate is £194.32 or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.

For example:

• If you earn £150 per week, you could receive £135 per week.
• If you earn £250 per week, you would receive £194.32 per week.
• If you earn £500 per week, you would also receive £194.32 per week.

Payments are subject to tax and National Insurance deductions.

The statutory payment can make it difficult for some families to manage household expenses, particularly when the other parent is also taking time off work.

This is why enhanced paternity pay is an important factor when choosing an employer. Some companies offer full salary for two weeks or longer, allowing employees to spend time with their newborn without taking a major financial hit.

Who Is Eligible for Paternity Leave and Pay in the UK?

Eligibility for paternity leave and statutory paternity pay is slightly different.

Eligibility for paternity leave

From 6 April 2026, employees can qualify for paternity leave from their first day of employment. They must:

• Be the child's biological father, the mother's husband or partner, an adopter or an intended parent through surrogacy.
• Be responsible for the child's upbringing.
• Take time off to care for the child or support their partner.
• Give their employer the required notice.

Eligibility for statutory paternity pay

Although paternity leave is now a day-one employment right, statutory paternity pay still has additional conditions.

Employees generally need to:

• Have worked continuously for the same employer for at least 26 weeks by the qualifying week.
• Earn an average of at least £129 per week before tax.
• Remain employed by the employer up to the date of birth or adoption placement.
• Meet the required notification rules.

The qualifying week is normally the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth.

This means someone who recently started a new job may qualify for paternity leave but not statutory paternity pay.

What Makes the Best Paternity Leave Policy?

Not all paternity leave policies provide the same level of support. If you are comparing employers, look beyond the statutory two weeks and consider the following benefits.

1. Full salary during paternity leave

Full pay is one of the most valuable benefits. Instead of receiving the statutory rate, employees continue to receive their normal salary for an agreed period.

2. Longer paternity leave

Some employers provide four, six or more weeks of paid paternity leave. Longer leave gives parents additional time to support their families and build a relationship with their newborn.

3. Flexible leave arrangements

A good policy allows employees to split their leave into different periods where possible. This can help parents manage childcare and family responsibilities.

4. Shared parental leave

Employers that provide additional support for shared parental leave give parents more flexibility to divide childcare responsibilities.

5. Additional family benefits

Other useful benefits include childcare assistance, flexible working hours, parental wellbeing support and the option to work remotely after returning from leave.

For many families, the best employer is not necessarily the one offering the longest leave. It is the one combining good pay, flexibility and practical support.

Paternity Leave vs Shared Parental Leave in the UK

Paternity leave and Shared Parental Leave (SPL) are different options available to eligible parents.