What is parental leave, who is eligible to take it and what is the procedure for taking it?
Parental leave is the right to take time off work to look after a child or make arrangements for the child’s welfare. Your employer should have a written parental leave policy and you should check with your BECTU Rep what the policy states and the arrangements for requesting to take the leave. Parents can take up to 13 weeks parental leave up to a child’s fifth birthday, or 18 weeks up to their 18th birthday if the child is disabled. In adoption cases it is five years after the child is placed with the family, or until their 18th birthday if that comes sooner. Parental leave is unpaid and must usually be taken in short or long blocks, usually one week up to a maximum of four a year, according to the employer’s policy. Arrangements for requesting to take parental leave will also depend on the employer’s policy but it is usual that 21 days’ notice be given by the employee. The employer can refuse requests if it can show that taking the leave at that time would be harmful to the business.
