The aim is to provide all male employees who are soon to be fathers with a procedure to follow if/when they intend to make use of their Paternity leave. Paternity leave is given with the intention that male employees will have time to assist with taking care of their newborn and partner directly after their baby has been born and also to allow time to bond with their child.
As per BCEA, Male employees are eligible for 10 unpaid days leave for the birth of their child.
Employees will be required to provide proof of the birth of their child, as soon as reasonably possible. This may be in the form of a birth certificate (indicating the employees name as “Father”) or other acceptable proof of birth of their child. The Company understands that a birth certificate may only be available days after the birth however, should the employee not be able to provide evidence of their baby being born during the paternity leave period taken, the Company will reserve the right to reverse any paternity leave pay allocated, therefore deducting unpaid leave for the paternity leave taken.