The leave is unpaid. Your employment rights, including pay rises, holiday and your return to work, are protected.
Quick facts
- Leave
- Up to 52 weeks, unpaid
- Deaths from
- 6 April 2026
- Child
- Under one year old
- Taken
- In one continuous block
- Where
- England, Scotland or Wales
Who can take it
To be eligible, the mother, main adopter or main intended parent of your child must have died on or after 6 April 2026.
You must be one of the following:
- the child’s father
- the spouse or partner of the mother
- the spouse or partner of the main adopter or intended parent
All of the following must also apply:
- your child is less than a year old - or if they’re adopted, was placed with you (or first arrived in England, Scotland or Wales) less than a year ago
- you have the main caring responsibility for your child
- you’re taking time off to care for your child
- you’re classed as an employee and employed in England, Scotland or Wales
How the leave works
You can start the leave from the day after the mother, main adopter or main intended parent of your child dies. You’ll need to take it all in one continuous block.
This means you can take up to 52 weeks’ leave - depending on when the death happened and when your child was born, placed with you or arrived in England, Scotland or Wales.
You can take it before or after any other parental leave and pay you’re eligible for.
Other help
You may be eligible to take Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay and Leave after your Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave ends. See Bereavement Support Payment and Guardian’s Allowance for money you may be able to claim.
Common questions
What is Bereaved Partner's Paternity Leave?
Unpaid leave to care for your child if the mother, main adopter or main intended parent dies before the child is one.
How long is it?
Up to 52 weeks, until the child’s first birthday or the first anniversary of an adoption placement.
Is it paid?
No. It is unpaid, but your employment rights are protected.
When did it start?
For deaths on or after 6 April 2026.