Fathers will be able to benefit from up to 26 weeks' additional paternity leave if the mother of the child returns to work before the end of the maternity leave period to which she is entitled.
This will be available during the second six months of the child's life and may be paid if taken during the mother's statutory maternity pay period.
The Government intends that the legislation is to come into force in April 2010, with effect for parents of babies due from 3 April 2011.