On the 30th July 2016, Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald, signed the Commencement Order to bring the Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016 into force from the 1 August 2016.
This Act places on a statutory footing new fathers’ entitlement to two weeks’ leave from their employment to provide or assist in the care of their child born on or after 1 September 2016. The Act confirms that this two week leave entitlement also applies to adoptive fathers and just like the Maternity Protection Acts the Act confirms new fathers’ right to return to the job that they had been in immediately prior to their paternity leave.
If you are an employer and are unsure how to act in compliance with the Act, or alternatively if you are someone who will now be in receipt of paternity leave entitlements and want to find out more then please do not hesitate to contact us.