From 6 April 2026, you can take paternity leave from your very first day of a new job — but that's not the same as qualifying for statutory paternity pay. Check both below.
Your paternity leave & pay
| Entitlement | Status |
|---|---|
| Right to take leave | — |
| Statutory paternity pay | — |
The "day-one right" only removes the service requirement for taking the leave. Statutory Paternity Pay still requires you to have worked continuously for your employer for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth (or the equivalent matching/placement week in an adoption). If you don't meet that test, you can still take the unpaid leave, but won't receive statutory paternity pay — though some employers offer enhanced contractual pay from day one regardless.
Statutory Paternity Pay is £194.32 per week (2026/27 rate), or 90% of your average weekly earnings if that figure is lower, paid for up to 2 weeks.
From 6 April 2026, yes — the right to take the leave applies from day one. Statutory pay separately still requires 26 weeks' continuous service.
No — leave and pay are assessed separately, as explained above.
If your employer is refusing your paternity leave entitlement or getting your pay calculation wrong, tell us what's happened and we'll point you toward the right kind of employment solicitor.
Get pointed to a solicitor →Facing redundancy around the same time? Our sister site LawCheck.co.uk has a free redundancy pay calculator.