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Paternity Pay

As an employee of SmartWork, you are entitled to certain statutory benefits, such as Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) and leave.

Paternity leave and pay can be taken for either 1 or 2 weeks after your child’s birth. It is important to note that you must take your leave in a single continuous period, and that period must end within 52 weeks of the birth.

Paternity Leave

To be eligible for Paternity Leave, you must be an employee and provide SmartWork with the correct notice (see “How to claim” below). You’re eligible for Paternity Leave from the first day of employment.

Paternity Pay

The weekly rate of Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) is £194.32 (2026-27), or 90% of your average weekly taxable earnings, whichever is lower.

To qualify for SPP, you must meet the following criteria:

1. You are classified as an employee of SmartWork up to the date of birth.
2. You have provided your employer, SmartWork, with the correct notice at least 15 weeks before the due date (see “How to claim below”).
3. You have provided your employer, SmartWork, with proof of your partner’s pregnancy using the MATB1 form.
4. You earn on average at least £129 per week.
5. You have been continuously employed and paid by SmartWork for at least 26 weeks by the end of the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth, also known as the “qualifying week.”

How to claim

You must tell SmartWork the baby’s due date at least 15 weeks before the baby is expected.

To assess your eligibility and process SPP, we require you to complete the Ordinary Statutory Paternity Pay and Leave form (previously SC3), which can be found on the HMRC website at https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/fill-online/apply-for-statutory-paternity-pay.

Once completed, please save the form as a .pdf file and email it to contractorcare@smartwork.com

If you qualify for SPP through SmartWork, we will provide you with a payment schedule. However, if we are unable to pay you the SPP, we will provide a completed SPP1 form explaining the reasons. This form will also allow you to make a claim for income support directly from your local Jobcentre Plus.

For more information on Paternity Leave and SPP, please visit the HMRC website at https://www.gov.uk/paternity-pay-leave.

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