Furlough & parental leave

ebz1991

Hi, I was placed on furlough at the start of lockdown around the same time my daughter was due, I informed my employer once she was born and requested to start my parental leave (2 WEEKS) I was told to stay on furlough and not given my parental leave. My employer has now ended furlough and I have no work am I still entitled to take parental leave 4months on?

JCS1

Is this parental leave (which is unpaid) or Paternity leave?

JReacher1

I think they only have to pay statutory for two weeks parental leave so I assume you were better off getting paid furlough as opposed to getting statutory paid leave. 

As you’ve had four months off work I would question whether it is a good career choice to push for another two weeks paternity leave. Your employer can probably argue that furlough has covered the parental leave requirements. 

Masomnia

If you mean paternity leave, then no, as this needs to be taken within 56 days of the birth; but your furlough pay is likely to be more than you would have got under paternity leave as this would be £151.20 per week. So you've not been cheated out of anything and I'm sure you were better off with it being furlough rather than paternity leave.

Parental leave you would be entitled to if you have a years' service, but this is unpaid.