Paternity Leave rights
Hello, new to this sub, so let me know if I need to be asking this somewhere else.
I had a chat with my manager at the time, and my HR person regarding paternity leave, in the meeting I informed her of my partners expected due date and she then informed me that I am allowed 1 month off, and that I can either take 2 weeks once the baby is born and then take 2 weeks next year (valid for 1 year from when the baby is born)
I informed her that I’ll decide later once speaking to my partner and I’ll let her know shortly.
My partners due date is 21st November 2026, and I have PTO already booked in for 1 week for 21st to 24th December.
Soon after, I made my decision, which was to take 2 weeks now, and then 2 weeks next year. At this point, I also changed manager. My new manager took this request to her, and now my HR person has informed me that, since the due date is in late November 2026 (she already knew this from when I told her on the first call), and I’ll only be back working for 2 weeks (2 weeks off + 1 week off in December) she said that from a resourcing standpoint, this doesn’t work for the business.
I informed my HR person that, I’d be on a project from end of October, so resourcing shouldn’t be an issue, as even though I’ll only be working for 2 weeks, I’ll be working on the project. She’s rejected this and said the same point of resourcing issues (not sure what she’s talking about here, and I believe she’s being stubborn).
I don’t understand where she is coming from, as if I take the 3 weeks off, which she wants, I’ll only be working for 1 week and then I’ll be off for another week. so how is this not a resourcing issues too?
I want to see what you guys on Reddit think of this nonsense and what I can go back to her with?. As whatever argument I put on the table to defend me having 2 weeks now and 2 weeks later gets shut down.
I have a call with my manager tomorrow to discuss further
Thanks!!