8 weeks parental leave?

[Justabriefnamechange]

I am currently on maternity leave and due back at work in October. I have contacted my manager and HR department to request two rounds of parental leave, one for each dc to take to be taken straight after my ml is over (Nov/Dec).

They are now saying that this may not be possible. As I understand it it is my employment right to take 4 weeks parental leave straight after ml but what about 8 weeks? Does anyone know what the law says or is the decision at my manager's discretion?

You are only entitled to take 4 weeks per year unpaid parental leave, the policy doesn't specify if that is per child however the wording implies it is 4 weeks in total. See here

Thank you rockchick