Answers · UK 2025/26
How much is Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) in the UK?
Statutory Paternity Pay for 2025/26 is the lower of £187.18/week or 90% of average weekly earnings, paid for up to 2 weeks. From April 2024 you can now split the 2 weeks and take them any time in the first 52 weeks after birth.
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UK Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) for 2025/26 is the lower of £187.18 per week or 90% of average weekly earnings, paid for 1 or 2 consecutive weeks. From 6 April 2024 rules became more flexible: you can take the 2 weeks separately (rather than together) and any time in the first 52 weeks after the child is born or placed for adoption. To qualify you must: be the biological father, mother's partner, or adoptive parent; have been employed continuously by the same employer for at least 26 weeks by the qualifying week (15 weeks before expected birth); earn at least £125/week; and provide proper notice. Tax and NI are deducted from SPP. Many employers offer enhanced contractual paternity pay (full pay for 2 weeks, sometimes 4 weeks). Shared Parental Leave (ShPL) allows partners to share up to 50 weeks of leave (37 paid) — administered jointly with mother's maternity leave.
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This answer is informational only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are for the 2025/26 UK tax year. See our methodology and sources.