The present government has given a commitment to extend paid maternity leave and adoption leave to 12 months and it is planned to introduce APL (Additional Paternity Leave) and ASPP (Additional Statutory Paternity Pay) alongside.

There is a breathing space, however. The earliest potential date for APL and ASPP will be for babies due on or after 5th April 2009.

The new law will allow:

  • a father (or partners of a mother or adopter) can take a maximum of 26 weeks to care for the child and it must be taken before the child’s 1st birthday.

  • APL is in addition to the current two weeks available.

  • ASPP can be claimed if the mother or adopter has entitlement to SMP, Maternity Allowance or Statutory Adoption Pay when they return to work.

  • Visit www.lawgistics.co.uk or call 0870 26 77 118 for more information.