Paternity - Leave & Pay

Self Certificate

Employees must give their employers a completed self-certificate as evidence of their entitlement to Statutory Paternity Pay.   A model self certificate for employers and employees to use is available in Working fathers - rights to leave and pay (PL517).   Employers can also request a completed self certificate as evidence of entitlement to paternity leave.  The self certificate must include a declaration that the employee meets certain eligibility conditions and provide the information specified above as part of the notice requirements.

By providing a completed self certificate, employees will be able to satisfy both the notice and evidence conditions for paternity leave and pay.   Employers will not be expected to carry out any further checks.