Shared Parental Leave

RyBo1985 · Post by **RyBo1985** » 03 Apr 2018, 13:28

Hi, Been working for royal mail for nearly 17 years now.

Just recently found out that my wife is pregnant and we've been considering the shared parental leave.

I was just wondering if anyone has been through this from a farther perspective and if so, how did they work out what your pay entitlement was?
We're just trying to figure out if its better for us financially for myself to take the majority or for my wife.

I've read through the policy but it literally tells me nothing about how that is worked out.

any info for advice would be great.

thanks.

feduppostie · Post by **feduppostie** » 03 Apr 2018, 18:45

someone at our office did it but I don't think it is as simple as telling you that you will get x amount for this long etc

It depends on many factors including when and how you are sharing the leave, if the mother gets enhanced maternity pay, who earns the most, how long you want it for, do you both want to be off together

If I were you I would ring HR and talk it through with them, they would probably have more idea than most ( I say probably) you do IIRC have to give at least 8 weeks notice and it has to be approved

banner · Post by **banner** » 05 Apr 2018, 20:27

Do you mean paternity leave or parental leave because they are quite different.
Paternity leave is what you receive automatically and it is paid. I don't know if it is 2 or 4 weeks now. You can trade or share the mothers' maternity leave as well which I think you may mean? All you need to do is get a special leave request form, put your dates you want off (as long as they are after baby is born), write paid paternity leave as well.

Parental leave is time off for family commitments etc.. It is by choice alone and is usually unpaid. You can take 18 weeks in total for each child you have up until they are 18 years old. Maximum of 4weeks per child per year. An employer cannot refuse you the leave unless there are serious resourcing issues and even then they must agree alternate dates.

I know a bit about this because I use it even though many people don't seem to bother, probably down to financial reasons. I'm going to use about 5 weeks this year. (I have 2 kids)

swindonandy · Post by **swindonandy** » 06 Apr 2018, 17:26

banner wrote:Do you mean paternity leave or parental leave because they are quite different.
Paternity leave is what you receive automatically and it is paid. I don't know if it is 2 or 4 weeks now. You can trade or share the mothers' maternity leave as well which I think you may mean? All you need to do is get a special leave request form, put your dates you want off (as long as they are after baby is born), write paid paternity leave as well.

Clearly they mean Shared Parental Leave, which is up to a year.

From my understanding the year cannot run concurrently for both partners - so you couldn't both take the first 6 months off together, they have to be at different times.

Note that your pay will be the same as she would get if she were taking that time - so if she's dropped to the minimum of Statutory Shared Parental Pay after 39 weeks then you'll only get that rate when you take your time. It's a juggling act that'll depend on which of you earns more - if you do then it'll be a big cut in finances to take it - current rate is £148.15 a week.

Some things to consider - there'll be a cash top-up when the back pay comes in, some shares coming up for tax-free release in October and if you can squeeze a few hours extra overtime before the baby arrives then put that money aside if you can and use that to help cover any time you take, should lessen the sting a little.

If can manage it go for it - you'll look back as some of the best days ever, even if you don't leave the house for weeks on end!