Paternity Policy

Why a Paternity Policy is Important in Hospitality

The pub and hospitality industry relies on dedicated teams who often work long, demanding hours. When employees become new parents, it’s essential that businesses support them with clarity, fairness, and compassion. A clear Paternity Policy ensures that staff understand their rights to paternity leave and pay, while helping employers remain compliant with UK employment law and maintain a positive workplace culture.

Legal Requirements and Employer Responsibilities

Under the Employment Rights Act 1996 and the Paternity and Adoption Leave Regulations 2002, employees have statutory rights to paternity leave and pay if they meet certain eligibility requirements. Employers must provide clear information about entitlements, application procedures, and any additional company benefits. The UK Government provides official guidance for employers and employees on statutory paternity leave and pay.

For more information, visit: (Gov.uk – Paternity leave and pay)

By adopting this policy, hospitality employers demonstrate fairness, compliance, and support for family-friendly practices that improve staff retention and morale.

What the Paternity Policy Includes

This editable policy template is written specifically for pubs, bars, and hospitality venues and includes:

• An overview of statutory paternity leave and pay entitlements

• Eligibility criteria and notification requirements

• Guidance on applying for and recording paternity leave

• Information on rights during and after paternity leave

• How to manage requests fairly and consistently

• Options for extending leave or flexible working upon return

• Customisable sections to align with your business structure and branding

Benefits for Pubs and Hospitality Venues

• Ensures compliance with UK employment legislation

• Promotes fairness, inclusion, and staff wellbeing

• Strengthens employee loyalty and retention

• Reduces HR and management time spent on case-by-case queries

• Editable and easy to adapt for company or site-specific use

Format and Use

This Paternity Policy is provided as an editable digital download (Word format). It’s simple to personalise with your venue name, logo, and company procedures. Once tailored, it can be added to your employee handbook, shared with managers, or issued during onboarding to promote clarity and compliance.

To see the full range of Employment Policies & Procedures available from That HR Girl, please click here: Employment Policies & Procedures | That HR Girl