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Adoption Leave

 

Qualifying employees who have been matched with a child may take up to 52 weeks adoption leave and may be entitled to 39 weeks of statutory adoption pay.  If a couple jointly adopt a child, one may take adoption leave and the other parent may be able to take paternity leave and/or shared parental leave .

  • The main adopter will be able to take paid time off for up to five adoption appointments.  The secondary adopter will be entitled to take unpaid time off for up to two appointments.
  • Adoption leave is a "day one" right there is no qualifying period.
  • Some surrogate parents will become eligible for adoption leave.

Adoption leave may be taken:

  • When a child starts living with the employee or up to 14 days before the placement date (UK adoptions).
  • When an employee has been matched with a child by a UK adoption agency.
  • When the child arrives in the UK or within 28 days (overseas adoption).

To understand more about the obligations you have towards employees wishing to take a period of Adoption Leave, please contact a member of the HRx  team.