Response 3997333

Response to request for information

Reference

3997333

Response date

20 May 2026

Request

I am writing to request information under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Please supply the following:

1. A copy of your current paternity-leave policy, including any variations depending on employee status (for example, full-time, part-time, length of service). Please clearly state the standard entitlement (number of weeks) and the rate of pay (full pay, statutory pay, enhanced pay) across that entitlement.
2. For the most recent three financial years for which data is held:
   • the number of employees who took paternity leave
   • the average number of weeks taken per employee
   • if available, a breakdown of take-up by type of pay ( full pay or statutory pay).
3. The median (or mean) gross pay of all council employees

If the data is only available in aggregated or anonymised form, I am happy to receive it in the most detailed format permissible under Freedom of Information and data protection rules. 

Response

1. Please see attached a copy of our paternity leave policy, there are no variations on employee status.  Paternity leave is a day one right depending on satisfying the conditions below:
   • have or expect to have responsibility for the child's upbringing
   • be the biological father of the child or the mother's husband or partner (including same sex relationships) or be the adopter's spouse or partner

Paternity leave can be taken for up to 2 weeks and if eligible for paternity pay based on SPP qualifying periods will be paid as below:

1. • The employee’s first week of paternity leave will be paid at the employee’s normal daily rate.
   • If taking a second week, employees may be entitled to Statutory Paternity Pay
2. For the most recent three financial years for which data is held:
   • the number of employees who took paternity leave
     • 2023/24 - 2
     • 2024/25 - 4
     • 2025/26 - 2
   • the average number of weeks taken per employee
     • 2023/24 - 1 week
     • 2024/25 - 2 weeks
     • 2025/26 - 2 weeks
   • if available, a breakdown of take-up by type of pay ( full pay or statutory pay).
     • 2023/24 - 1 week full pay
     • 2024/25 - 1 week full pay and 1 week Statutory Paternity Pay
     • 2025/26 - 1 week full pay and 1 week Statutory Paternity Pay
3. For 2025-26 the mean gross pay was £2,901.04