Here is an example of a Paternity Leave Policy

The Family Responsibility Leave provisions in section 27(1) of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act makes provision for three day’s paid leave during each annual leave cycle when the employee’s child is born. This section applies to an employee-

·        who has been in employment with an employer for longer than four months; and

·        who works at least four days a week for that employer.

1. APPLICATION

1.1 You shall provide your Head of Department with a certificate confirming your wife’s pregnancy at least four (4) weeks before the date of her expected confinement. Such certificate must be issued by a registered medical practitioner and include confirmation of the expected date of confinement.

1.2 All applications for paternity leave must be submitted on the prescribed leave application form and the doctor’s certificate confirming the pregnancy must be attached thereto.

2. BENEFITS AND CONDITIONS

2.1 You will be granted three (3) working days paid leave per annum as paternity leave subject to the provisions of Clause 1.2 above and Clause 2.2. below.

2.2 Within thirty (30) days of taking paternity leave are required to provide a birth certificate on which your surname of the father is reflected, failing which, the leave taken shall be treated as unpaid leave.