Parental leave is a statutory entitlement for employees under the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987 (‘PLEPA’). Parental leave allows eligible employees time off from work to care for a new child.

For employers, parental leave presents both operational and compliance challenges, particularly regarding eligibility, notice requirements, and managing employee pay related matters and job security during a period of parental leave. Failure to comply can result in enforcement and compliance action, legal disputes, and reputational damage.