From 6th April, Bereaved Partner’s Paternity leave will be introduced for employees. This will provide eligible fathers and partners up to 52 weeks’ unpaid leave if the mother or primary adopter dies (applying to deaths that happen on or after 6th April 2026).
They will be able to take this leave from the day after the death of the mother or primary adopter. This will be introduced as a day one right, meaning there is no continuity of service requirement for the fathers and partners. An employee must take this leave within 52 weeks of their child’s birth, adoption placement, or entry into Great Britain for overseas adoptions. The leave must end by the child’s first birthday or adoption anniversary, unless the death happens less than 14 days before the end of the 52 weeks. In this case, the father or partner will be able to take 14 days’ leave.
To qualify for this leave, the bereaved partners must have the legal status of employee and be the child’s father or the spouse, civil partner, or partner of the mother or adopter at the time of their death (this includes same-sex partners). In addition, they must have primary responsibility for the child’s upbringing and take care of the child.
The notice requirements recognise the shock and unpredictability of a partner’s death. Therefore, if the leave starts within the first eight weeks, notice can be provided informally (phone call or text) and given at any time before the employee’s first day of absence. However, for leave taken after eight weeks, one week’s written notice is required.
Employees who take Bereaved Partner’s Paternity leave do not miss out on their other family leave entitlements, but it must be taken as one continuous block. If the child sadly dies or an adoption placement ends, the bereaved partner remains entitled to eight weeks’ leave.
To find out more information or to discuss the new Bereaved Partner’s Paternity leave, get in contact with our team of experts.
T: 0330 107 1037
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