Staff Handbook

• be the biological father and/or the mother’s husband or partner (or be one of two parents adopting a child or the partner of someone adopting a child individually); • have been continuously employed for at least 26 weeks by either the 15th week before the Expected Week of Childbirth (EWC) or the week in which you are formally notified that you have been matched with a child; • intend to take the time off to support the mother/adopter and/or to care for the child; and • have given notice of your intention to take the leave as outlined under “Notification”, below. Notification To qualify for Paternity Leave you should notify your line manager in writing in or before the 15th week before the EWC (In the case of adoption, within 7 days of being notified of a match). Your written notification should specify: • the EWC (or expected date of placement), • the length of period you have chosen to take (either one week or two consecutive weeks), and • the date you have chosen the leave to begin (see below). Start and Duration of Paternity Leave Paternity Leave cannot start earlier than the actual date of birth or adoption. You can choose to start the leave: • on the actual date of birth or adoption, • on a date falling on a specified number of days after the actual birth date or adoption, or • on a specific date that falls after the EWC or expected date of adoption The duration of Paternity Leave is either one week or two consecutive weeks, as you choose. You cannot take odd days. You must ensure that your paternity leave ends no later than 56 days after the start of the EWC or expected date of placement. Statutory Paternity Pay You will be paid for this leave at the standard rate set by the Government or 90% of your average weekly earnings if this is less.

20