Parental leave policy guidance notes

Legal framework

The right for employees to take parental leave is contained in the Maternity and Parental Leave Regulations 1999 (As amended) (“MAPLE”)

Subject to eligibility, MAPLE entitles both parents to 13 weeks unpaid leave to care for a child born or adopted and for disabled children the entitlement has been increased to 18 weeks. The entitlement is not transferable between parents.

Employees must have  one years’ continuous service and the leave must be taken before the child’s 5^th birthday or, if the child is disabled, the child’s 18^th birthday. If the child is adopted the leave must be taken within 5 years of the date of placement, or by the adopted child’s 18^th birthday, whichever is the earliest.