The Government has launched the next stage in the consultation on the introduction of additional paternity leave and pay. When introduced the right to additional paternity leave will allow qualifying fathers* the right to up to 26 weeks’ paid leave during the second six months of the child’s life. The consultation exercise is to invite comments on the preferred administration process so that the regulatory burden on businesses will be minimised. The Government’s preferred option will be for fathers to self-certificate without either the mother’s employer or HM Revenue & Customs having to be involved.

Click here to read the consultation document. The consultation closes on 3 August 2007. The earliest implementation date for additional paternity leave is 5 April 2009 although this is not confirmed.

*Whilst the consultation refers to fathers, the right will be extended to partners and civil partners of mothers and members of adopting couples who meet the eligibility criteria.