In an online ‘top tips’ guide, Acas have highlighted that with just 8 weeks to go until eligible parents can start sharing up to 50 weeks of parental leave, for babies due, or where a child is placed for adoption, on or after 5 April 2015, then expectant parents need “to have that all-important conversation with their employers.” Acas then set out 5 top tips for Shared Parental Leave and employers are advised to ensure that these tips aimed at employees are set out appropriately in their policy and procedures and employee guides:
1. The first thing to do is make sure you are eligible for Shared Parental Leave. The quick and easy calculator on GOV.UK will do the hard work for you.
2. Talk to your partner before speaking to your employer. The combinations are flexible so make sure they fit around your life and work for you as a couple. Maybe you want to double up in the early days for extra support or you might decide to tag-team halfway through – the choice is yours.
3. Have the conversation with your employer as early as you can. The sooner you do, the easier it will be to make plans for your time away from the work. Remember you have to give your employer at least 8 weeks' notice of your intention to take Shared Parental Leave.
4. Check to see if your employer offers an enhanced package (a package over and above statutory), and if they do, what type of package it is.
5. Know your rights. Employers cannot opt out of Shared Parental Leave if you are eligible.
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This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out all of the facts, the legal arguments presented and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.
