Fatherhood Resources: United Kingdom

Official paternity leave guidance, shared parental leave, and verified support organisations for fathers across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Up to 2 weeks

Statutory Paternity Leave

Within 56 days of birth

Up to 50 weeks

Shared Parental Leave

Shared between parents

£187.18/week

Statutory Paternity Pay

Or 90% of earnings if lower

Verified Resources for UK Dads

Fatherhood Institute

OrganisationUK-wide

The UK's leading fatherhood research and policy organisation, established 1999. Publishes research, runs training for practitioners, and advocates for father-inclusive services.

GOV.UK: Paternity Leave and Pay

GovernmentEngland & Wales

Official UK government guide to statutory paternity leave (up to 2 weeks) and Statutory Paternity Pay eligibility, rates, and how to claim.

GOV.UK: Shared Parental Leave

GovernmentUK-wide

Official guidance on Shared Parental Leave, allowing eligible parents to share up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay in the first year.

GOV.UK: Parental Leave

GovernmentUK-wide

Unpaid parental leave entitlement: up to 18 weeks per child, for parents of children under 18. Official eligibility and application guidance.

Family Lives

CharityUK-wide

National charity offering free, confidential support to parents and families. Helpline, online chat, and resources covering all aspects of family life including fatherhood.

Dads Rock

CharityScotland

Scottish charity supporting fathers and their children through groups, activities, and one-to-one support. Particularly strong in supporting dads facing disadvantage.

PANDAS Foundation

Mental HealthUK-wide

Support for parents experiencing perinatal mental illness, including fathers. Helpline, peer support groups, and resources for dads experiencing postnatal depression.

Citizens Advice: Paternity Rights

Legal AidEngland & Wales

Plain-English guide to paternity rights at work, including what to do if your employer refuses leave or pay.

Key facts for UK fathers

  • •Statutory Paternity Leave is 1 or 2 weeks, taken as a single block within 56 days of birth or adoption.
  • •Shared Parental Leave lets eligible parents share up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay, taken in up to 3 separate blocks.
  • •Unpaid Parental Leave gives parents up to 18 weeks per child (up to age 18), taken in weekly blocks of up to 4 weeks per year.
  • •The UK government's Parental Leave Review (running to early 2027) may significantly expand fathers' entitlements.
  • •Scotland has additional family support through programmes like Dads Rock and the Scottish Government's Family Support Fund.
All international resources