The law providing a right to Paternity Leave was brought into force on 6 April 2010 and is effective for parents of children who were due on or after 3 April 2011.
The changes to paternity leave allow fathers up to six months off work if they transfer leave from their partner. That means mothers who return to work after six months will have the option to transfer the remaining unused six months of maternity leave to their partner.
Commentators such as Katie Hopkins already allege that maternity rights work against women (she actually suggests it is making them unemployable). Possibly paternity leave will redress the balance but, in any event, employers need to be aware of the change. Men who feel victimisation because of taking (or even asking for) paternity leave are now also eligible to bring cases against employers – so be very careful if you disapprove of such leave.