If you have been working with your employer for over a year, each parent can take up to 13 weeks parental leave for each child born or adopted. If your child is receiving Disability Living Allowance, you can take up to 18 weeks.
Employees can take it at any time up to the child's fifth birthday (or until five years after placement in the case of adoption).
Parents can take the leave in long or short breaks, depending what has been agreed with your employer.
Parental leave is usually applied for when a parent wants spend more time with their child, or for example
Although parental leave is unpaid, it is worth checking your employment contract as your employer might offer you pay. If you are on low income, you might be entitled to Income Support.
Further information on Parental Leave
Direct Gov – Parental Leave has more information on
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Whether you are eligible for parental leave
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How much time off you can take
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Your options if your employer will not allow you to take time off
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Parental Leave if you are self employed or a ‘worker’.
