Shared parental leave

How you and your partner can enjoy the flexibility of shared parental leave, while ensuring you and your employer meet all the rules

• Shared parental leave was introduced in 2015 to allow partners greater freedom in how they share leave to look after their new baby or adopted child.
• Although it gives you more flexibility in which of you has time off and when, there are several rules you need to comply with, including how you give your employer notice when you are taking leave.
• We recommend you talk to us first if you’re considering shared parental leave, so we can explain it fully and ensure you enjoy time off with your child, without problems.

What is shared parental leave?

Shared parental leave is the arrangement where parents can share the leave entitlements they receive following the birth or adoption of a child. This allows both parents to take time off work to care for their child, rather than just the mother.

What are your legal rights around shared parental leave?

The idea of shared parental leave is to allow parents to share their statutory leave periods to look after their new child, whether they both take leave together or take it in turns to have time off work. The leave can be taken over just one period or in separate periods, although you will have to give your employer notice in advance.

Shared parental leave was introduced in 2015, and as well as couples bringing up their own baby, it also applies to couples adopting a child. Your employers are obliged to honour your right to shared parental leave, as long as you apply for leave correctly and comply with the rules. HMRC will also want to know your leave and pay arrangements during shared parental leave.

Although shared parental leave offers more flexibility about which of you works and when, as you bring up your child together, the rules about who is eligible, paid leave and notice periods for taking leave are complex.