Shared parental leave (SPL) is an entitlement eligible parents can use by curtailing maternity leave and allowing one or both parents to take the remaining time as SPL instead.
It allows eligible parents to share up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay between them. It is important to note that eligible employees have a statutory right to take SPL provided that they give the required notice.
For more information on how SPL works, how it can help you, and additional advice around common misconceptions with this entitlement, download our guidance below.
Download the guidance here
(last updated 28 April 2025)
Further information
Members may also find these papers helpful:
Further guidance
GOV.UK: Shared parental leave and pay
Acas: Shared parental leave and pay
Related information
Two-thirds of businesses may now provide enhanced maternity pay, poll finds, People Management (2021)
Women in Leadership, Bright Horizons
Parental leave benchmark blog, Bright Horizons
Employer Focus on Working Parents, report by CIPD, August 2022