Special leave

33.2 There will be an entitlement to 2 weeks paid paternity leave per birth.

33.3 This will apply to biological and adoptive fathers, nominated carers, and same sex partners. Eligibility will be 12 months continuous service at the beginning of the week the baby is due.

33.4 Those with less service will be entitled to a maximum of two days paid leave and a further eight days unpaid leave. (Please refer to Department of Health and Department of Social Care Special Leave Policy and Procedures.)

33.5 Any leave granted, whether paid or unpaid, must be taken within 8 weeks following the birth.

33.6 An employee must complete an Application for Special Leave form at least 28 days before they want leave to start. (Please refer to Department of Health and Department of Social Care Special Leave Policy and Procedures.)

33.7 Reasonable paid time off to attend ante-natal classes will also be given.

33.8 This will be available to people wishing to adopt a child.

33.9 The leave should cover official meetings in the adoption process as well as time after the adoption itself.

33.10 Where the child is below age 18 adoption leave and pay will be in line with the maternity leave and pay provisions which are set out in Section 15, Maternity Leave and Pay.

33.11 If the same employer employs both parents the period of leave and pay may be shared. The employees will determine who will take maternity leave and pay and who will take paternity leave and pay.

33.12 To apply for this leave please refer to the Special Leave Policy for application form.

33.13 Employees who have parental responsibility have the right to at least 13 weeks leave (18 weeks if child is disabled) in total per child for children aged under 14 (18 in cases of adopted or disabled children). Leave is normally unpaid. A disabled child is defined as having Disabled Living Allowance paid.

33.14 Parental leave should be applicable to any employee with 12 months service in the NHS who has parental responsibility for or who is registered as the father of a child under age 14 (18 in cases of adoption or disabled children).

33.15 The leave can be for any purpose connected with the care of the child.

33.16 Normally no more than 4 weeks parental leave can be taken in any 1 year. Leave shall normally be taken in blocks of 1 week or multiples of a week but the period taken may be varied at management discretion.

33.17 Twenty one days notice should normally be given of the intention to take leave together with the start and end date. The notice period may be reduced at management discretion if the reasons for the leave being sought preclude giving 21 days notice.

33.18 During parental leave the employee retains all of his/her contractual rights, except remuneration, and should return to the same job after it. Pension rights and contributions shall be dealt with in accordance with NHS Superannuation Regulations. Periods of parental leave should be regarded as continuous service. It is good practice for employers to maintain contact (within agreed protocols) with employees while they are on parental leave.

33.19 To apply for this leave please refer to the Special Leave Policy for application form.

33.20 Please refer to Department of Health and Department of Social Care Special Leave Policy and Procedures.