Paternity on Temp Contract

[JimmyGandalf]

Hi there,

I started as a postman three weeks ago. In my interview, and on my first day at work, I informed the manager of the impending arrival of my second child. The manager just said to ring him when my wife gives birth, but hasn't stated how much time I can have off. Because I'm new I don't really want to push the subject, but I am going to need a few days off to look after my son whilst my wife and new baby are in hospital.

Any information on what I am entitled to here, or what I can reasonably expect to get?

Many thanks

[demon]

depends if you have a good manager to what type of special leave he will give you some will give you it with pay some will not don't think you will have been here long enough to get paternity leave on full pay yet

[UnhappyGremlin]

The norm is 2 weeks paid leave. Think you're entitled to that by law.
Don't know if the fact you are a recent starter will affect that.
Ring HR (number on payslip) for definitive answer.

[IcanthelpthewayIam]

Eligibility for statutory paternity pay:

https://www.gov.uk/paternity-pay-leave/eligibility" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Ordinary Paternity Leave
You must:

be an employee
have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks by the end of the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth (known as the ‘qualifying week’)
give the correct notice
The ‘qualifying week’ is different if you adopt.

[JimmyGandalf]

Cheers for the replies. I know about the working for 15 weeks to qualify, I'm happy to take unpaid leave just wondered if there were any collective agreements/policies within Royal Mail that could help me. Obviously don't want to rock the boat or lose the job, just trying to decide on the best course of action due to the aforementioned childcare issues.

[demon]

you should get the unpaid leave no probs but don't even think about the money just enjoy the bit of time with the new baby

[tasam]

Check with union rep about 'parental leave' it's unpaid but if management get ansty it may help.

[Darren Bent]

Ask if you can book annual leave for the time so you won't lose your pay, if this is doable in your office. But again some management might not let you to do this.