Adoption leave

Employees who are adopting are entitled to time off in a similar way to maternity leave.

The duration of the leave is 52 weeks. This is: 26 weeks' ordinary adoption leave followed by 26 weeks' additional adoption leave. (Note: Only one parent is entitled to the adoption leave).

From 5 April 2015, the entitlement to adoption leave and pay changed. If you qualified for 52 weeks of Statutory Adoption Leave you will also be:

  • able to take paid time off for up to five adoption appointments if you are the main adopter (the second adopter will be entitled to take unpaid time for two appointments)
  • entitled to 90 per cent of your normal earnings for the first six weeks of your Statutory Adoption Leave
Last updated: 09 April 2019