Delay in the introduction of paid additional paternity leave

In May this year, the government consulted on the administration of additional paternity leave and pay. This new right will give fathers the right to take up to 26 weeks' paid leave if the mother has returned to work before the end of her maternity leave period.

It was originally planned that this new right would apply where a baby was due in April 2009 or later. However, HMRC has now announced that this date will no longer be met and that it is planning implementation for babies due in April 2010 or later. No definite timing decisions have yet been taken.

HMRC has also confirmed in the same notice that the proposal to extend statutory maternity pay from 39 to 52 weeks will also be delayed until the same time.