Paternity Leave Notification Letter: Free Template and What to Include

If you need to formally notify your employer of your intention to take paternity leave, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong paternity leave notification should include.

What this letter needs to cover

• Confirm the expected birth date
• State the intended leave dates (1 or 2 weeks)
• Confirm entitlement to Statutory Paternity Pay at the statutory rate or 90% whichever is lower
• Confirm notice is being given within the required timeframe
• Request written confirmation

Getting your paternity leave notification right

To take Statutory Paternity Leave and Pay, you need to notify your employer by the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth, confirming your intended leave dates — and following recent changes, you now have more flexibility in how and when you can take this leave.

What to include before you send it

• Confirmation of the expected or actual birth date
• Your intended paternity leave dates
• Confirmation of whether you're taking 1 or 2 weeks, and whether as a single block or split
• A request for confirmation of your Statutory Paternity Pay entitlement

Recent flexibility changes worth knowing about

Paternity leave can now be taken at any point within the first year after birth (rather than only in the initial weeks), and can be split into two separate blocks of one week each rather than needing to be taken consecutively — this gives new fathers considerably more flexibility than previously.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to give my final leave dates by the same 15-week deadline?
You need to give your initial notice by 15 weeks before the expected week of childbirth, though you can now change the specific dates later with 28 days' notice.

What if the baby arrives earlier than expected?
Your paternity leave entitlement isn't affected by early arrival — the rules accommodate this, though it's worth notifying your employer of any change as soon as possible.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Postcode]
[Your National Insurance Number]
[Name of Manager / HR]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[Company Postcode]
[Date]

Dear [Name],

Subject: Paternity leave and pay notification

I am giving notice that I intend to take Statutory Paternity Leave and claim Statutory Paternity Pay.

I am eligible because I am the [baby's father / mother's partner / adopter's partner] and will be responsible for bringing up the child.

• Expected week of childbirth: the week beginning [Date] [or expected adoption placement date: [Date]]
• Leave I will take: [1 week / 2 weeks together / 2 separate weeks]
• Start date: [e.g. the day of the birth / a specific date]

I understand Statutory Paternity Pay is paid at the statutory weekly rate or 90% of my average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.

I am giving this notice by the end of the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth [adoption: within 7 days of being told I have been matched]. Please tell me if you need form SC3 [adoption: SC4].

Please confirm my leave dates in writing.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]