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Parenting

For free parenting resources please check out the Early Years Alliance's Family Corner.

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Original poster

Unpaid parental leave

30 replies

summerlovingvibes · 31/08/2023 21:23

Has anyone done this? The government website says 18 weeks per child, max of 4 weeks in a year.

I'm thinking of asking work if I can have some next year to spend some time quality with DD1 before she starts school.

Just nervous about asking as only just come back off mat leave (with DD2) ... Will my work colleagues hate me?
What's your experience of asking / having it? Were you met with any objection / difficulties?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

HappyAsASandboy · 01/09/2023 20:19

@toddlermum27 you can absolutely request it, as long as you're entitled to it (check the gov.uk guidance). The business may be able to refuse based on business need, but I'm not sure how that works out if they can't suggest alternative dates before you leave that company. Personally I'd request it, and if they turn it down due to business need then I'd expect them to find dates before you leave that they will approve it for.

toddlermum27 · 01/09/2023 20:33

@HappyAsASandboy excellent thanks

jallopeno · 01/09/2023 20:36

Make sure you keep enough in reserve for any un expected life events

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Redcliffe1 · 01/09/2023 20:42

I have taken a week or two over the last few weeks. I know there is a max over the 18 years you can take but I have never worked anywhere where they have asked a previous employer how much you have taken so not sure how much that maximum is enforced.

I'm (hopefully) getting a pay rise soon and if I do am planning on taking 4 weeks this year.

TooOldForThisNonsense · 01/09/2023 21:08

Renaissancee · 01/09/2023 11:06

It’s 4 weeks per year per child, so you can request up to 8 weeks per annum for 2 children.

The guidance states it must be taken in whole weeks unless your employer agrees otherwise. Mine agreed for me to take it however I choose, so it’s worth exploring how yours would be willing to authorise it. A whole week or more unpaid is a big hit financially which is why I’m taking it more sporadically.

If the child is disabled it can also be taken in blocks of less than a week :)

OP go for it. It’s not up to your colleagues, it’s between you and your employer:)

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