FAQ on parental leave

Can I return to the same job after parental leave?
If your period of leave was four weeks or less, then you have the right to return to the same job. If you took more than four weeks parental leave, then you can return to the same job, as long as this is a reasonably practical option. If it is not practical, then you have the right to return to a similar job that has equal (or better) status, and the same terms and conditions as your old job.

Further information

• New Ways to Work, 22 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2 5AP has a most useful factsheet Time Off for Dependants and Parental Leave (£2 inc p&p)
• The Equal Opportunities Commission, Overseas House, Quay Street, Manchester M3 3HN (0161 833 9244; fax: 835 1657) has a briefing paper on Parental and Dependency Leave
• IPPR/ Parental Leave Campaign, 30-32 Southampton Street, London WC2E 7RA (tel: 020 7476 6100) publishes Time Off with Children: Paying for Parental Leave (£4.95)
• The Maternity Alliance, 45 Beech Street, London EC2P 2LX (020 7588 8582; fax:7588 8584; email) has useful factsheets: Parental Leave (£1 with sae); Pregnant at Work, 2000 (£1.50 with sae). The Parental Campaign is based at the Beech Street Address
• The TUC publishes information on its website
• The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) publishes booklets and leaflets which are also available on its website under the heading Regulatory Guidance. They can be obtained free from Employment Service Jobcentres or from the DTI Order line (tel: 0870 1502 500). Or you can order them by post from DTI Publications Order line, ADMAIL 528, London SW1W 8YT. Time Off for Dependants: A Short Guide, DTI (Ref: URN 99/1187; Parental Leave: A Short Guide, (Ref: URN 99/1192); Maternity Rights: A Short Guide, DTI (Ref: URN 99/1190); Maternity Rights, DTI (Ref: URN 98/812 (detailed guidance on previous maternity rights)
• The Maternity and Parental Leave Regulations 1999, published by the Stationery Office (0870 600 5522).
• The DTI Parental Leave Enquiry Line: 020 7215 6207