Parental leave

This policy sets out the entitlement to up to 18 weeks of unpaid parental leave per child for employees with at least one year's continuous service who hold parental responsibility for a child under 18. It details notice requirements (21 days, in writing, specifying start and end dates), evidence that may be requested, and rules on how leave must be taken (in blocks of one week, or as single days for children receiving disability living allowance). The policy also covers return-to-work rights — including the right to return to the same or a similar role with no less favourable terms — and protections against detriment for taking or requesting leave. Note: the source document includes an open editorial question about whether to enhance the provision to paid leave, so the policy reflects a minimum statutory baseline rather than an enhanced offer.