Shared parental leave

Shared parental leave (SPL) is an entitlement eligible parents can use by curtailing maternity leave and allowing one or both parents to take the remaining time as SPL instead.

It allows eligible parents to share up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay between them. It is important to note that eligible employees have a statutory right to take SPL provided that they give the required notice.

For more information on how SPL work, how it can help you, and additional advice around common misconceptions with this entitlement, download our guidance below. 

Download the guidance here

Further guidance
GOV.UK: Shared parental leave and pay
Acas: Shared parental leave and pay

Related information 
Two-thirds of businesses may now provide enhanced maternity pay, poll finds, People Management (2021)
Women in Leadership, Bright Horizons
Parental leave benchmark blog, Bright Horizons 
Employer Focus on Working Parents, report by CIPD, August 2022
 

Related Pages

Conditions and Employment Committee

  • Council
  • Conditions
  • Employment
  • Pay

Maternity and Adoption Leave: Your rights as an employee

  • Conditions
  • Equalities
  • Health and Wellbeing
  • Health and safety
  • Maternity
  • Flexible working