Shared Parental Leave

[sproutingbroccoli]

Hi all. I'm a dad to be - due date mid May. Wife needs to return to work ASAP - she is a busy primary school head with Ofsted looming next year and wants to be back before the summer holiday. Wondered whether any dad/mum on here is investigating shared parental leave, and has had the "conversation" yet? (I am a high school teacher, teaching a minority subject, and head of year - so employer really needs time to prepare. I am amazed that I only have to give 8 weeks notice = early July for September start!)

Also - is anyone else appalled at the lack of advice on this matter from their union - who advised me "we haven't come across this before, try again in a couple of months"??

I guess it's because its such new legislation, and because it only comes into effect for babies born from April 2015, there will be absolutely no experience yet!

Have you looked on www.gov.uk/search?q=shared+parental+leave for information?

I would probably start by arranging a meeting with my line manager (I guess that would be your Head?) to let them know that is what you are intending to do and to discuss it informally. You don't need to put in a request AFAIK but I would chat with them so that they have as much notice as possible to make the necessary arrangements.

Thanks Elly. I had already arranged a meeting and will mention that it's a possibility. I can imagine that they are going to want as much notice as I can give - the 8 weeks statutory notice is a pipe dream!

I have found some really good information on the ACAS website. Their brochure about "Good practice for employers and employees" contains loads of info and worked examples: www.acas.org.uk/media/pdf/1/c/Shared-Parental-Leave-a-good-practice-guide-for-employers-and-employees.pdf

Would still be interested to hear from anyone who has had the conversation though!

Our company has had this for a few years now. So far we've had one maternity leave and two paternity! Been very well receiver by senior management and lots of the dads have reduced to a 4day week etc.

Just cause its only just law doesn't mean it doesn't happen . Good luck!

SproutingBroccoli - I'm writing about Shared Parental Leave for a quality national newspaper, and you're the first person I've come across with a firm idea of how they want to use the new rules. Might you and your wife be willing to be included in the feature? Please message me if you'd like more info.

Out of nosiness, I'm also interested to know which union you belong to. I worked for one of the big teaching unions until last year. Really hope it wasn't my former employer who was so unsupportive! (But if it was, I can try to make sure they're now giving members useful info on this issue.)

Best of luck with your imminent arrival and your SPL plans (and with your wife's looming Ofsted too!)