Eligibility for statutory adoption leave

Only employees qualify for statutory adoption leave. No qualifying service is needed. There are no minimum working hours or qualifying pay thresholds. The notification requirements set out below must be followed. Only one adopting parent can take adoption leave, but the other parent may qualify for paternity leave and pay.

Parents of a child born through surrogacy who have applied for, or intend to apply for, a parental order and parents fostering to adopt may qualify for adoption leave.

See page 329 for information on statutory adoption pay.