Paternity Leave & Annual Leave

Richardflair

My wife & I are having our first baby - HOORAY!

We're nearing the point at which we give our employers an indication of when we'd like to take statutory leave; in my case, paternity. I've decided to take it the moment the baby is born.

On discussing this with the Director-level person who encompasses HR in their role, I was informed that I'm welcome to take the statutory 2 weeks paternity once the baby is born but not use any additional annual leave to remain off work for an extended period of time. Their reasoning was that I could not take additional leave when it had been rejected to others before me and that I am needed in the business.

A long Google search doesn't come up with any results specific to my situation. Does anyone have any experience or knowledge in this field that will help?

marliepanda

richardflair wrote: »

My wife & I are having our first baby - HOORAY!

We're nearing the point at which we give our employers an indication of when we'd like to take statutory leave; in my case, paternity. I've decided to take it the moment the baby is born.

On discussing this with the Director-level person who encompasses HR in their role, I was informed that I'm welcome to take the statutory 2 weeks paternity once the baby is born but not use any additional annual leave to remain off work for an extended period of time. Their reasoning was that I could not take additional leave when it had been rejected to others before me and that I am needed in the business.

A long Google search doesn't come up with any results specific to my situation. Does anyone have any experience or knowledge in this field that will help?

Companies can dictate when you take your holiday.

I dont believe you have any rights to squash your paternity and AL together.

They can't change your PL but they can say you can't have AL after

MrBrindle

richardflair wrote: »

My wife & I are having our first baby - HOORAY!

We're nearing the point at which we give our employers an indication of when we'd like to take statutory leave; in my case, paternity. I've decided to take it the moment the baby is born.

On discussing this with the Director-level person who encompasses HR in their role, I was informed that I'm welcome to take the statutory 2 weeks paternity once the baby is born but not use any additional annual leave to remain off work for an extended period of time. Their reasoning was that I could not take additional leave when it had been rejected to others before me and that I am needed in the business.

A long Google search doesn't come up with any results specific to my situation. Does anyone have any experience or knowledge in this field that will help?

It all depends on the company policy, maybe the policy isn't to allow annual leave straight after paternity? Some companies allow paternity to be taken in sections. Mine could be taken in a full block of 2 weeks or one week here and there - but within 1 months of the baby being born.

Employers can do what they want when it comes to this sort of stuff unfortunately. There isn't a set of rules, all down to employers' discretion.

My previous employer used to deny me single days off all the time (due to 'work load'), and used to kick up a hell of a fuss for booking full weeks. Completely wrong and unfair, but I couldn't do anything about it. I once crashed my car on a Sunday night, rang in the morning asking can I take today as a holiday so I can sort the car out and arrange lifts, only be told 'no, you can work the time back'. I brought up the issue when I handed in my notice.

spadoosh

Bear in mind youre more than entitled to take additional leave in the form of shared parental leave.

That is your partner is entitled to 12 (50 weeks, more specifically for the shared aspect) months maternity leave of which about 9 (37 weeks) months include statutory maternity pay. She could sacrifice some of the SMP which means you could take additional leave whilst receiving some payment. Or you could take some of the unpaid leave and just not get paid.

Theres rules and regs that go along with it, mainly about time in service and earnings.

Richardflair

Appreciate the quick responses.

It's a bit frustrating. I work in a small company (15-20 directors/staff) and I've never had issues taking a day here or there as well as giving short notice on longer periods of annual leave.

Perhaps I'll just need to take 2 days one week, 2 days the next and try to spend more time at home but over a longer period of time.

Richardflair

spadoosh wrote: »

Bear in mind youre more than entitled to take additional leave in the form of shared parental leave.

She could sacrifice some of the SMP which means you could take additional leave -...- Or you could take some of the unpaid leave and just not get paid.

If only that was an affordable option. We're not hard done by but missing half a salary will be a fairly big inconvenience. It's just not an option for us right now.

spadoosh

richardflair wrote: »

If only that was an affordable option. We're not hard done by but missing half a salary will be a fairly big inconvenience. It's just not an option for us right now.

If you and your partner are on similar incomes it shouldnt make any difference or it could even work out better for you if she earns more than you.

naughtyjo

You will probably be happy to go back to work after 2 week if you get a screamer lol !!!55357;!!!56834; unfortunately the employer doesn!!!8217;t have to award leave and if others have been refused leave for the same period it seems fair and reasonable but like somebody else has said there!!!8217;s options but if your other half wants the full maternity period your in unpaid territory