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.
leave-types
Category
advanced
Difficulty
8 min read
Read time
2025-01-15
Updated
Definition
Short definition
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.
Detailed explanation
Shared Parental Leave gives parents more flexibility in how they share childcare responsibilities. The mother can end her maternity leave early and share the remaining leave with her partner.
Parents can take leave at the same time, in turns, or a combination of both. This allows families to decide what works best for their circumstances rather than following the traditional pattern of the mother taking most of the leave.
SPL is more complex than standard maternity or paternity leave, requiring careful planning and communication between both parents' employers.
Practical guidance
How it works
The mother must curtail her maternity leave to create SPL. Both parents must meet eligibility requirements. Leave can be taken in up to 3 separate blocks with 8 weeks notice for each.
Best practices
Provide clear guidance on SPL process
Use specialist software for tracking
Communicate early with employees considering SPL
Legal context
Legal basis
Shared Parental Leave Regulations 2014
Jurisdiction: UK
Key provisions
Up to 50 weeks leave can be shared
Up to 37 weeks of pay can be shared
Both parents must meet eligibility criteria
At least 8 weeks notice required
Official source
Frequently asked questions
Can both parents take SPL at the same time?
Yes, parents can take SPL at the same time, in turns, or in overlapping periods. This flexibility is one of the key benefits of SPL.
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.
Parental Leave
Parental leave is unpaid time off work for eligible parents to care for their child, providing up to 18 weeks per child until the child turns 18.