What is additional statutory paternity pay?

In the UK, additional paternity pay allows fathers to take up to 26 weeks to care for their child after the mother or primary adopter returns to work. Fathers can take this leave 20 weeks after the child is born or 20 weeks after the adoption is finalized.

What are the employer’s responsibilities for additional statutory paternity pay?

Managers must be able to apply the ASPP policy and follow the correct processes. This includes communicating with the father about any important developments.

HR needs to record the ASPP entitlement, administer pay during the period, note the ASPP in the company’s database software, and maintain specific records.

The employee must provide at least eight weeks’ notice in writing of the date they wish to take leave, comply with any required procedures, and provide any necessary information.

What records does the employer need to maintain for ASPP?

Every employer must maintain certain records of ASPP for three years after the end of the tax year. Records include:

1. The date on which the ASPP began
2. Evidence of entitlement to additional statutory paternity pay provided by the employee
3. The weeks of that tax year where additional statutory paternity pay was paid to the employee and the amount paid each week
4. Any week during that tax year that was within the employee’s additional statutory paternity pay period but when no additional statutory paternity pay was given to the employee, including the reason for non-payment

What are the eligibility requirements for ASPP?

Each of the following must be met to qualify for additional statutory paternity leave:

• The employee is eligible for additional paternity leave
• The employee is employed with Civil Service until the week before statutory pay begins
• The mother or adoptive mother is entitled to statutory maternity pay or maternity allowance
• The mother has returned to work at least two weeks before her entitlement to statutory maternity pay
• The employee must pay Class One National Insurance Contributions in the relevant eight-week period
• The employee gives the proper notice