Help with shared parental leave

Gleeface · 9 August 2018 at 2:57PM

Hello, I've searched far and wide but can't find answers to a couple of questions I have about shared parental leave. Hope somebody here can help!

I work 4 on 4 off, so when it says "# of weeks" does it literally mean calendar weeks no matter your shift pattern?

If my other half isn't returning to work after her maternity leave ends, would that cause any issues?

Thanks

[Deleted User] · 9 August 2018 at 5:47PM

SMP is usually weekly based on a 7 day week. Does your partner get statutory pay or is the pay enhanced? I don’t think it will be a problem as long as she gives notice.

sangie595 · 9 August 2018 at 7:06PM

The question wasn't about SMP.

The answer is easy. It has nothing to do with your shifts or working patterns - entitlement is based on calendar weeks. So it's not about the shifts you work or how you work them - all entitlement would need to be taken in "real weeks". That's why you can't find anything- because there's nothing to find :-)

Gleeface · 9 August 2018 at 7:25PM

Thanks sangie, in reality I think I already knew that was the answer but just wanted clarification.

Any insight on my other worry? Similar sort of situation? Can't find anything because there's nothing to find?

sangie595 · 9 August 2018 at 7:33PM

Gleeface wrote: »

Thanks sangie, in reality I think I already knew that was the answer but just wanted clarification.
Any insight on my other worry? Similar sort of situation? Can't find anything because there's nothing to find?

SPL isn't something I get asked about often, so I'm a bit hazy on it. I believe that you can start it whilst she's still on maternity leave, but she must have given notice to return to work - and she must return.

This might help https://sharedparentalleave.campaign.gov.uk/

theoretica · 9 August 2018 at 8:55PM

One of my male colleagues has been off on shared parental leave where the mother is not returning to work. Anecdotal, but implies it should be possible.

sangie595 · 9 August 2018 at 9:44PM

I'm happy to be corrected on this - as I said it isn't my forte. We tend to have better than statutory terms, so I'm more familiar with those variations, and can't be certain what the basic entitlement is without looking it up myself!