Definition
A statutory right for eligible employees to take up to 18 weeks of unpaid leave per child, to be used before the child's 18th birthday. Each parent can take up to 4 weeks per year per child, in blocks of one week unless the child is disabled.
UK Context
Governed by the Maternity and Parental Leave Regulations 1999 and the Employment Rights Act 1996. Employees must have one year of continuous service to qualify. The leave is to care for a child and must be taken in blocks of one week (not individual days) unless the child has a disability.
Best Practices
- Include a clear parental leave policy in the employee handbook explaining eligibility, notice requirements, and how to apply
- Consider offering paid parental leave as a benefit to support working parents and improve retention
- Allow flexibility on the one-week-block rule where possible, as some employees may need shorter periods
Frequently Asked Questions
How much notice must an employee give for parental leave?
Employees must give at least 21 days notice. The employer can postpone the leave for up to 6 months if the business would be particularly disrupted, but cannot postpone leave that is requested immediately after the birth or adoption of a child.
Does parental leave transfer between employers?
No, the entitlement is 18 weeks per child per parent regardless of employer. If an employee has taken some parental leave with a previous employer, the total they can take overall remains 18 weeks per child. Employers can ask for evidence.