Unpaid parental leave policy

It's for all eligible employees.

• You are eligible for unpaid parental leave if you have one year's continuous employment and you are the parent of a child, or have formal parental responsibility for a child or have adopted a child. 
• You can take up to 18 weeks' unpaid leave to look after your child.
• This entitlement is pro-rata for part-time employees, so if you work one day a week you would be entitled to 18 days’ parental leave for each child.
• Parental leave must usually be taken in blocks of one week, but parents of children with a disability can take leave in blocks of one day or more.  
• A maximum of four weeks’ parental leave can be taken each year.
• You must apply for parental leave 21 days in advance, giving your line manager exact dates.
• You must take unpaid parental leave before the child's 18th birthday.