Unpaid parental leave

Count the allowance for each child

An eligible parent can take up to 18 weeks of unpaid parental leave for each child, normally before the child's 18th birthday. The allowance belongs to the parent and child rather than resetting with each job. Ask a new starter what they have already used instead of assuming all 18 weeks remain.

Usually no more than four weeks can be taken for one child in a year unless the employer agrees more. Leave is normally taken in whole weeks. A week follows the employee's normal working pattern, and a parent of a disabled child can use smaller units. The GOV.UK entitlement guidance includes the calculation for irregular patterns.

Check Great Britain or Northern Ireland

In Great Britain, unpaid parental leave has been a day-one employee right since 6 April 2026. Northern Ireland still normally requires one year's continuous service. The current nidirect guidance should be used for an employee working there.

This is planned care for a child. It is different from Shared Parental Leave around a birth or adoption, Carer's Leave for a dependant with a long-term care need, and time off for dependants when an emergency cannot be planned.

Handle notice and postponement fairly

The employee normally gives 21 days' notice and states the dates. An employer can postpone a request where the absence would cause serious disruption, but must explain why and propose a suitable date within the statutory window. There are circumstances around a birth or adoption where postponement is not available. Acas guidance sets out the current process.

Record the child, amount already used, working-week calculation, dates and any agreed variation. Avoid asking for family information that is not needed to decide the request.