Employment rights during parental leave

Employees remain employed while on parental leave and the terms and conditions of their employment contract still continue to apply. At the end of parental leave the employee has the right to return to the same job as before or, if that is not possible, a similar job with the same or better status, terms and conditions as the job they had before they went on parental leave.

Employees can bring a claim at the employment tribunal if their employer unreasonably prevents them from taking parental leave or treats them less favourably because of their request. A union rep can help to advise someone wishing to bring a claim as tribunal deadlines are short. Recent changes to the employment tribunal procedure mean that employees have to pay employment tribunal fees and those wishing to make a claim must first contact Acas and try and settle their claim with their employer before going to an employment tribunal.