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Shared Parental Leave & Paternity Pay FAQs

How does Shared Parental Leave work in the UK?
Shared Parental Leave (SPL) allows eligible parents to share up to 50 weeks of leave and up to 37 weeks of Statutory Shared Parental Pay (ShPP) following a birth or adoption. The mother (or primary adopter) must first end or curtail her maternity/adoption leave to release the remaining entitlement. Both parents must be employed and earning at least £123/week (averaged over 8 weeks), and each must give their employer at least 8 weeks' notice before each block of leave. Leave can be taken simultaneously, consecutively, or in up to 3 separate blocks per parent.
How much is Statutory Paternity Pay in 2026/27?
Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) for 2026/27 is £184.03/week, or 90% of your average weekly earnings if that is lower. It is paid for either 1 or 2 consecutive weeks and must be taken within 56 days of the birth or adoption. To qualify you must have been employed continuously for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before the expected due date and earn at least £123/week. You must give your employer at least 15 weeks' notice before the baby is due.
Can both parents take Shared Parental Leave at the same time?
Yes · both parents can take SPL concurrently. This means both could be off work with their baby at the same time, each receiving ShPP at £184.03/week (or 90% of their AWE if lower). The father/partner can also take their 1–2 weeks of paternity leave immediately after the birth before beginning any SPL. Planning concurrent leave requires each parent to give 8 weeks' notice to their respective employers for each separate block.

For informational purposes only · Not financial advice · Rates shown are for 2026/27 · ShPP and SPP flat rates subject to annual review · Eligibility depends on individual employment and earnings history