Policy 2.5.3 Adoption Leave*

2.5.3 Adoption Leave

Employees who are to become parents through adoption have the right to 26 weeks ordinary adoption leave and 26 weeks additional adoption leave. The leave can commence at any time 14 days before placement. For those earning above the lower earnings limit then 39 weeks statutory adoption pay is also payable. Statutory Adoption Pay will be paid at 90% of normal earnings for the first six weeks.

For adoptive parents, the equivalent enhanced maternity leave with pay is available to those who comply with the qualifying service and return to work for three months following the leave.

Eligible employees will be able to opt into Shared Parental Leave (please see the separate section in the handbook for further information).

In the case of older children there may be provision to take the leave in blocks of not less than four weeks at any one time. If you are intending to adopt a child please speak to the HR Officer to discuss your leave entitlement in more detail.

If you are the main adopter you will be able to take paid time off for up to five adoption appointments. If you are the secondary adopter you are entitled to unpaid time off for two adoption appointments. If you are a surrogate parent you may be eligible for adoption leave. Please contact the HR Officer for further information.