Adoption

Louise Walker
Legal Director
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From 5 April 2015, employees will no longer require to have 26 weeks’ service with their employer before being eligible for adoption leave.

There will also be a new right introduced for employees proposing to adopt a child to take time off to attend up to five adoption appointments.

In the case of a single adopter, or the primary adopter if adopting as a couple, up to five days’ paid leave can be taken. A secondary adopter will be able to take up to two days’ unpaid leave.

A maximum of six and a half hours will be allowed for each appointment in all cases. If paid time off has been taken for one or more adoption appointments, that parent cannot then take paternity leave in respect of that child.

New protections for employees will be introduced against suffering a detriment or being dismissed for exercising their rights in relation to adoption.

Current adoption rights will also be extended to individuals fostering a child under the Fostering for Adoption scheme run by local authorities.

Hear from our expert on how you can prepare for these changes here.

Topics: Adoption Leave