Paternity Leave

[~Debbie~]

A quick question.
Is my DH entitled to Paternity leave at all? That is, if he wants to take time off when the baby comes, can he take "Paternity Leave" as opposed to using his annual holidays.
Or, is it more of a depend who you work for type thing. He works for a small company, like, him, his boss and 2 others. So, probably no award type set up.

[Karina]

I think he should ask his boss. My husband was entitled to one or two weeks (he could choose). he works for government.

eta- i think I read somewhere that usually the dad is entitled to a week and if he takes more than that, then it impacts on your maternity leave. I dont know if thats for all employers though.

[ShootingStar]

I think it yeh, depends who you work for, what type of award wage youre on and whether youre full time etc. I think everyone has to be on some sort of award dont they? Id find out what he is on then give Equal Opportunities a call and just ask what his rights are.

[briggsy's girl]

i think paid paternity leave is definitely dependant on who you work for - i'm in a govvie job, so the guys get leave - in a previous job, it was up to them to take personal (carers) leave or annual leave.

[sushee]

I think that if it is in your award, your partner will be entitled to 1 week (unpaid) leave, asuuming you are taking maternity leave. But small companies are not required to give you this, and if he wants time off, will need to use annual leave or LSL.

[Pandora]

It depends on the company. DH works for a small company too, its a family business (not our family, he just works there) and I think they gave him a week. they were very flexible with him taking A/L too they just said 'when you don't come in, that can be the fist day of your leave"

[~Debbie~]

Thanks everyong.
Dh's boss asked him today when he wants time off. How can we answer that? We dont know.
Its even more frustrating that DH's boss is also a good friend, and mostly has been quite relaxed with the hole thing, but now, has suddenly decided that he needs to make plans.

I checked wagenet. It said he is entitled to 1 week unpaid leave.