Paternity leave is a much newer thing than maternity leave and allows fathers to take time off to be with their new kids, and help out their wives / partners.

Paternity leave in the UK is two weeks, to be taken consecutively, in the first five years after the baby's born. It is paid at £100 / week net.

However many companies are more generous or flexible. A lot will pay full salary for one week, and some won't enforce the consecutive weeks bit either.