What is parental leave and am I entitled to it?

Every parent is entitled to 13 weeks unpaid parental leave up to their child’s fifth birthday (or 5th anniversary of the date of adoption regardless of the date of birth), provided they have worked for at least one year for their employer. This entitlement applies per child, so a parent with two children aged under five would be entitled to 26 weeks parental leave. Parents of disabled children, (for whom a disability living allowance is payable), are entitled to such leave up to and including the disabled child's 18th birthday.

Your employer may offer more than the statutory minimum, and you should check the terms and conditions. Parental leave is an individual right so it can be taken with you when you move jobs, however, if you do move job you will have to work the one year qualifying year again. Unless your employer agrees otherwise, parental leave has to be taken in blocks of one week or more, up to four weeks per year. Even if you take a day’s leave, your employer can still dock a whole week’s pay.

There is a helpful and free leaflet from the TUC time off for families. It is available on the web or from the know your rights line 0870 600 4882 (national rate, 8am-10pm).