A. Introduction
It is the University’s policy to support all employees who have had a child or who adopt a child.
This policy and procedure are designed to ensure that all members of staff are treated fairly and consistently regardless of their job category and to ensure that the University complies with the relevant legislation.
The procedure is intended to outline entitlements to ordinary and statutory paternity rights.
Paternity leave is available to individuals who have had a child or adopted a child. Where both adoptive parents are employees, one may be entitled to Adoption leave and the other may be entitled to Paternity / Partner’s leave.
B. Scope
This policy applies to all Lancaster University staff regardless of the type of contract that they are employed under who are expecting a birth or to adopt on or after 1st April 2007.
A copy of this policy will be made available to all members of staff via the University intranet and will be made available in hard copy form on request to HR.
C. Eligibility
In order to qualify for paternity leave and pay staff must:
Have completed six months service with the University by the 15th week before the baby is due to be born or placed.
And
Meet all three criteria as appropriate set out below:
For Birth Parents
Confirm that:
- They are: the baby's biological father, or married to the mother, or living with the mother in an enduring family relationship but not an immediate relative,
- Have responsibility for the child's upbringing
- Will take time off work to support the mother or care for the child
For Adoptive Parents
Confirm that:
- They are: married to the person adopting the child, or living with the person adopting the child in an enduring family relationship but not an immediate relative,
- Have responsibility for the child's upbringing
- Will take time off work to support the mother or care for the child
D. Paternity pay entitlements
- One week on full pay,
- One week at the Statutory Paternity Pay rate. (£135.45 - £136.78 from 6 April 2013) or 90% of average weekly earnings whichever is the lesser.
E. Paternity leave
A maximum of two weeks leave can be taken either as a block of two weeks or two separate weeks.
Leave may commence on any day of the week but must be taken within 8 weeks of the birth or placement.
F. What staff must do - Notify Paternity leave
In order to qualify for Paternity Leave and Pay staff must notify their Head of Department or immediate line manager and HR of:
In the case of births:
1. The date the baby is due, and;
2.The intended dates for leave, by the 15th week before the expected date of childbirth.
In the case of adoptions:
1.The date the child is to be placed, and;
2.The intended dates for leave, within seven days of the adopter being advised of being matched.
Staff must complete and return the attached Application form Paternity Leave Form (HR/884) before any leave is taken.
Issued April 2007
Updated Jan 2012