parental leave: how much per year

[SqueakyCat]

I get 12 (?) weeks unpaid parental leave I can take per child before they are 5. And I know I can take 4 weeks per year. Here the q:

is that per child? or in total each year?
so if I had 3 children can I take 12 weeks unpaid parental leave in one year? or just 4?

Thanks.

I suspect (but don't know for sure) that the statutory 4 weeks per year will be regardless of number of children. But that is just the legal minimum entitlement, there is nothing at all to stop employers being more flexible.
you will be able to find the details on the dti website.

I find this depressing as I've 2dds 4and 5 so the majority overlapped and I could never afford to use it any way but ,I was allowed 24 weeks and now have 4 without using any

By law you are entitled to take 13 weeks parental leave in order to care for a natural or an adopted child 9(or to make arrangements for their care). Assuming you are eligible you can take parental leave up until the childs 5th birthday.

Parental leave is for each child, so in the case of twins 13 weeks may be taken for each child. A maximum of 4 weeks parental leave per year can be take in respect of any child during 1 calendar year. You are required to give 21 days written notice of your proposed leave.

The company has the right to postpone a period of Parental leave for up to 6 months, where it considers the operation of its business would be unduly disrupted.

HTH

Runtus - does that mean I can take 12 weeks in one calendar year if I have 3 children (and have the leave available?)
Thanks.

It looks that way but it might be worth asking your local CAB just to check - or ask your HR person if you have one. The law only states that you get 13 weeks for each child and then goes on to mention twins in particular, so on the surface it would seem like youy should get 13 x 3 in total.

As I say it isn't clear so check