Paternity Leave Policy

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Purpose  The purpose of this policy is to outline the paternity leave entitlements for employees working at the company 'TescoDemo', in accordance with UK law. This policy aims to support new fathers or partners of pregnant women or adopters by providing time off to care for their new child and support their family.

Eligibility  To qualify for statutory paternity leave and pay, an employee must:  

• Be an employee (not a contractor or agency worker) at TescoDemo.
• Have been continuously employed by the company for at least 26 weeks by the end of the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth or by the week they are notified of being matched with a child for adoption.  

Leave Entitlement  Eligible employees are entitled to:  - Up to 2 weeks of statutory paternity leave. Leave must be taken as either one week or two consecutive weeks.  - Leave must be taken within 56 days of the birth or adoption placement.  

Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP)  Employees eligible for paternity leave may receive Statutory Paternity Pay if they meet the earnings criteria set by the government. SPP is paid at the lower of:  - £172.48 per week (as of 2024), or  - 90% of the employee’s average weekly earnings.  

Notification Requirements  Employees must inform their line manager and HR of their intention to take paternity leave by no later than 15 weeks before the expected week of childbirth or within 7 days of being matched with a child for adoption. The notification must include:  - The expected week of childbirth or adoption placement.  - The date on which the employee wishes the paternity leave to start.  - Whether the leave will be taken as one or two weeks.  

 Employee must submit a formal paternity leave request in writing, including the required information above, to their line manager and the HR team. The HR team will then confirm eligibility and leave dates with the employee in writing.  

Pay During Pat.Leave  Paternity leave will be paid at statutory paternity pay rates as described above. Any additional leave taken beyond the statutory entitlement will be unpaid unless otherwise agreed.

Return to Work  Employees have the right to return to the same job after paternity leave. If this is not possible, they will be offered a suitable alternative role on no less favourable terms.