Who is eligible for statutory adoption leave 


Only employees are eligible for statutory adoption leave. Since 5 April 2015, no qualifying service is needed. No minimum number of working hours are needed and no pay threshold needs to be met. 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. Adoption leave can be shared (see below).


Since April 2015, 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.