Furlough or Paternity Leave Pay

minglukhan

I am currently furloughed and my wife is expecting late June. For the sake of argument let's say I am furloughed up until Sep/Oct and I have to take my paternity leave within 8 weeks of the babies birth. Is it worth activating my Paternity Leave of 2 weeks @ £151 per week or stick with furlough pay which will be more?
Any help much appreciated!

Mrsn

That will be your employers decision I would imagine. Are you certain that you will still be on furlough at that point? 

minglukhan

It is likely I will still be in furlough at that point. I am not certain it would be my employer's decision as it is my right to either take or not take the paternity leave. If my furlough continues until September I could choose not to use my paternity leave for example. 

Jeremy535897

"Statutory Paternity Leave

Employees must tell you at least 15 weeks before the week the baby is expected:

• the baby’s due date
• when they want their leave to start - they can change this with 28 days’ notice
• how much leave they want

Notice does not have to be in writing unless you request it. Employees can use form SC3 to ask for leave and pay.

Statutory Paternity Pay

Employees must request paternity pay at least 15 weeks before the week the baby is expected using form SC3 (or your own version). Take a copy and give the original back to the employee."

Have you met the requirements above? It appears you should already have told your employer and chosen your dates (which must end within 56 days of the birth (or due date if the baby is born early). Or does your employer offer more generous terms? Judging by the reference to £151, I assume not.

minglukhan

Have you met the requirements above? It appears you should already have told your employer and chosen your dates (which must end within 56 days of the birth (or due date if the baby is born early). Or does your employer offer more generous terms? Judging by the reference to £151, I assume not.

I have filled out the SC3 and stated I plan to take the 2 weeks paternity leave within 56 days of the birth. However it is my choice whether I take this actual leave. I could approach my employer and ask for them to extend the period. Seems pointless to take the 2 weeks if I'm on furlough anyway?

Jeremy535897

The rules require you to state an actual date, not just "within 56 days of the birth (and that is the end date)". Your employer is likely to prefer to furlough you than fund paternity pay, even in August, so I would say that you are happy to forego it unless they take you off furlough.

Semple

It does sound like you want your cake and to eat it. You've said you'll receive more pay whilst on furlough, and this is likely to be more cost effective for your employer, so why not give up your paternity leave? 

sharpe106

Semple said:

It does sound like you want your cake and to eat it. You've said you'll receive more pay whilst on furlough, and this is likely to be more cost effective for your employer, so why not give up your paternity leave? 

That iss what they want to do but they were unsure if they had to take it or not.