Shared parental leave policy template

Overview

The organisation is committed to supporting employees to balance their work and family responsibilities. This Shared Parental Leave Policy aims to provide a flexible and supportive framework for eligible employees to take leave to care for their new-born or newly-adopted child.

Scope

This policy is applicable to all employees of [Company].

General principles

At [Company Name], we believe that supporting employees to balance their work and family responsibilities is crucial to creating a positive and productive workplace. This SPL policy is intended to provide a flexible and supportive framework for eligible employees to take leave to care for their new-born or newly-adopted child. If you have any questions about SPL, please speak to your line manager or the HR department.

Eligibility

To be eligible for SPL, employees must have been continuously employed by the company for at least 26 weeks by the end of the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth or by the week they are matched with their adoptive child. The employee must also share responsibility for the child's care with their partner, who must also meet the eligibility requirements for SPL.

Notification Requirements

Employees must give at least 8 weeks' written notice before they intend to start SPL. This notice should include the expected start and end dates of the leave and how the employee wishes to take their leave. If the employee wishes to change their leave dates, they must give at least 8 weeks' notice of the new dates.

Entitlement

Eligible employees are entitled to up to 50 weeks of SPL, which can be taken in blocks or intermittently, with the agreement of the employer. The total amount of SPL available is in addition to the two weeks of statutory paternity leave that the employee is entitled to.

Pay

[During SPL, employees may be entitled to statutory shared parental pay or enhanced shared parental pay, depending on the company's policy.]

Statutory Shared Parental Pay (SSPP)

The current rate of SSPP is £151.97 per week or 90% of the employee's average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. To be eligible for SSPP, employees must earn at least £120 per week and give the required notice.

[OR]

Enhanced Shared Parental Pay (ESPP)

We provide ESPP to eligible employees who take SPL. The amount and duration of ESPP will vary depending on the employee's length of service and the company's policy. Employees should refer to the employee handbook for further details.

Returning to Work

Employees who take SPL have the right to return to the same job after their leave has ended. If their original job is no longer available, the company will offer them a suitable alternative role.

Communication

We will ensure that all employees are aware of their entitlement to SPL and how to apply for it. We will also provide support and guidance to employees who are considering taking SPL, including information about their rights and responsibilities.