Additional Paternity Leave and Pay 2011

Northern Irish Parents of babies due (or placed for adoption) on or after the 3rd of April 2011, have the right to avail of Additional Paternity Leave and Pay (APL&P).  This is on top of the two weeks Statutory Paternity Leave already due to fathers.  Fathers can take between two and twenty-six weeks Additional Paternity Leave (APL) after the 20th week since the baby’s birth or adoption, providing the mother has returned to work.  The father’s APL must be completed by the baby’s first birthday, with Additional Paternity Pay in line with the mother’s maternity period.  Fathers considering APL&P should provide eight weeks notice to their employer, advising them of their intention to take APL.  For further information on APL&P, including rules and eligibility, and other childcare and work related issues, call Employers for Childcare’s Freephone Helpline on 0800 028 6538.