Adoption Leave
Adoption leave is time off work for employees who are adopting a child, with similar entitlements to maternity leave including up to 52 weeks leave.
leave-types
Category
intermediate
Difficulty
5 min read
Read time
2025-01-15
Updated
Definition
Short definition
Adoption leave is time off work for employees who are adopting a child, with similar entitlements to maternity leave including up to 52 weeks leave.
Detailed explanation
Adoption leave provides adoptive parents with time off work to bond with their newly adopted child and adjust to family life. Eligible employees can take up to 52 weeks of statutory adoption leave, mirroring maternity leave entitlements.
Only one adoptive parent can take adoption leave; the other may be eligible for paternity leave or shared parental leave. Adoption leave applies whether adopting through a UK agency, from overseas, or through surrogacy with a parental order.
Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP) is available for up to 39 weeks for eligible employees, following the same rates as Statutory Maternity Pay.
Practical guidance
How it works
Employee notifies employer within 7 days of being matched with child. Leave can start up to 14 days before expected placement. Same rights as maternity leave including protection from unfair treatment.
Best practices
Treat adoption leave equally to maternity leave
Provide support during matching process
Plan for flexible start dates
Legal context
Legal basis
Employment Rights Act 1996, Paternity and Adoption Leave Regulations 2002
Jurisdiction: UK
Key provisions
Up to 52 weeks adoption leave
SAP for up to 39 weeks if eligible
Must have 26 weeks continuous service
Leave starts when child placed or arrives in UK
Official source
Frequently asked questions
Can both adoptive parents take adoption leave?
No, only one parent can take adoption leave. The other parent may be eligible for paternity leave (up to 2 weeks) or you can share the leave through Shared Parental Leave.
Related glossary terms
Maternity Leave
Maternity leave is time off work for pregnant employees before and after childbirth, with statutory protections and pay entitlements.
Paternity Leave
Paternity leave is time off work for fathers or partners following the birth or adoption of a child.
Shared Parental Leave
Shared Parental Leave (SPL) allows eligible parents to share up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay between them in the first year after their child's birth or adoption.