Adoption leave

Updating author: Jo Broadbent, Hogan Lovells

Brightmine editor: Laura Merrylees

Summary

• Regardless of length of service, an adoptive parent has the right to take up to 26 weeks' ordinary adoption leave, followed immediately by up to 26 weeks' additional adoption leave. (See The right to statutory adoption leave (adoption within the UK))
• The right to statutory adoption leave is available to an employee who has adopted, or who is one of a couple who have adopted, a child from overseas. (See The right to statutory adoption leave (adoption from overseas))
• For adoptions from within the UK, the adoption leave period may begin from the date of the child's placement for adoption or from a certain predetermined date. (See Timing of adoption leave)
• For adoptions from overseas, the adoption leave period may begin on the date the child enters Great Britain or from a certain predetermined date. (See Timing of adoption leave)
• An employee can carry out up to 10 days' work for their employer during the adoption leave period without bringing the adoption leave to an end. (See Work during the adoption leave period)
• Employees have the right not to be victimised, dismissed, selected for redundancy or subjected to any other detriment for exercising their right to adoption leave. (See Dismissal and victimisation)