FAQ on parental leave

What if I just need to take the odd day off?
If you have a family emergency – for example, if the person who usually looks after your child while you are at work falls ill and does not turn up – you would be better off claiming dependency leave, because this gives you the right to one or two days off at short notice.

What procedure should my employer follow if they want to postpone my leave?
Your employer can postpone your leave by up to six months from the start-date you asked for, if they think that your absence would unduly disrupt their business. Your employer should discuss this with you. They must also confirm the postponement in writing, listing the reasons why they have postponed your leave, and giving you a new date when you can take parental leave. This should be sent to you no more than seven days after you gave them notice that you intended to take parental leave.

What can I do if my employer refuses to let me take parental leave?
You can go to an employment tribunal. You can also go to the tribunal if your employer tries to stop you from taking parental leave, or if they victimise you or dismiss you for taking parental leave.

How is parental leave tracked?
Your employer does not need to keep a record of your parental leave, but many employers will want to for their own records. If you change your job, your new employer can ask your old employer how much parental leave you have taken. They will also be able to ask you to declare how much parental leave you have had.

Your employer can ask you for evidence that you are entitled to parental leave. It is reasonable for your employer to ask you to show that you are the parent of a child, or that you are legally responsible for a child. They might ask you to produce a birth certificate, adoption papers, or, if your child is disabled, a disability allowance award.