Telling your employer about your parental leave
Starting the conversation
Planning parental leave is an exciting milestone, though it’s natural to feel a little nervous about sharing the news at work.
This guide will walk you through when, who, and how to tell your employer, so you can approach the conversation with confidence.
When to notify your employer
Each type of parental leave has its own rules, but in general:
- Maternity leave: at least 15 weeks before your due date.
- Paternity leave: at least 4 weeks before you want your leave to start.
- Shared parental leave: at least 8 weeks before it starts.
- Adoption leave: within 1 week of being matched with a child.
It’s usually better to speak to your employer as early as you feel comfortable, so you have time to plan together.
Who to speak to
Your first point of contact is usually your line manager or HR team. They're there to support and guide you through your organisation’s policies and next steps.
What to include
When you first let your employer know, aim to cover:
- The type of leave you’re planning to take
- When you expect it to start (if known)
- How long you’re likely to be away
If you do this in person, it’s a good idea to follow up in writing to confirm what was discussed.
Staying connected during your leave
You can also mention if you’d like to use “Keeping in Touch” (KIT) days, which let you stay connected without ending your leave. These are often paid, and you can use them for things like training, meetings, or catching up with your team. Flagging this early with your manager can help with planning.
And don’t worry if your plans change, that’s completely normal. Most employers understand that flexibility is part of becoming a parent.
Where to find out more
Every workplace is different, so check your company’s parental leave policy for the details. For further guidance, visit:
You don’t need to have everything figured out. Just reaching out is a positive step in preparing for this next chapter.
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