Ordinary Parental Leave is available for employees to take time off work to look after a child's welfare, this leave is unpaid (although you may be able to claim income support), and is available for each child up to their 18th birthday.
In anticipation of eligibility to take parental leave from the first day of employment, employees with less than 12 months' service will be able to give notice from 18th February 2026 for any parental leave commencing on or after 6th April 2026.
Ordinary Parental Leave should not be confused with Shared Parental Leave.
We recognise the needs of staff to balance their work commitments with that of family and parental responsibilities. As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to help bring about this work-life balance, a parental support policy is available, which incorporates paternity and parental leave policies. These should be read alongside the Shared Parental Leave, Maternity and Adoption policies.