Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave
Cancel or change your leave
You can cancel or change your Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave.
You’ll need to give the correct amount of notice, unless your employer agrees otherwise.
Cancelling your leave
You must tell your employer that you’re cancelling your leave in writing, for example by email or text message.
If you’re due to start leave in the first 8 weeks after the death
You must tell your employer before the first day of planned leave.
If you’re due to start leave more than 8 weeks after the death
You must tell your employer at least a week before the start of the planned leave.
If you want to rebook leave you’ve cancelled
You can rebook it if you give your employer the correct notice.
Changing your return date
You must tell your employer that you’re changing your return date in writing, for example by email or text message.
If you’re due to return to work in the first 8 weeks after the death
If you want to return to work on an earlier date, you’ll need to tell your employer at least a week before the new date.
If you want to return to work on a later date, you’ll need to tell your employer at least a week before the original date. You must confirm the following if you want to return more than 8 weeks after the death:
- that the leave is to care for your child
- that you meet the eligibility criteria
If you’re due to return to work more than 8 weeks after the death
If you want to return to work on an earlier date, you’ll need to tell your employer at least 8 weeks before the new date.
If you want to return to work on a later date, you’ll need to tell your employer at least 8 weeks before the original date.
Get free advice from ACAS
You can call the ACAS helpline for advice about Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave and your rights.