• Resources
  • Media

In this section:

Family rights and flexible working

This section looks at family rights in the workplace, antenatal rights, maternity, paternity and adoption leave and pay. We also consider the operation and interplay of the statutory right to shared parental leave and pay.

Some employers give their employees additional ‘family friendly rights’ under their contracts of employment. However, this section focuses on the rights given to employees by legislation.

 

  • Adoption leave and pay

    We explain adoption leave and pay, including eligibility, entitlement and notice requirements.

  • Antenatal - pregnancy and the workplace and time off for antenatal appointments

    We explain health and safety issues relating to pregnant employees and their rights, and the rights of their partners, to time off for antenatal appointments.

  • Flexible working requests

    We explain employees' rights to request flexible working, how they make a request, and advise you on the decision-making process.

  • Maternity leave and pay

    We explain the statutory rights employees have to take maternity leave and receive pay, as well as the legal protection for pregnant women.

  • Parental leave

    We explain parental leave, including eligibility, entitlement, default rules and rights during parental leave.

  • Paternity leave and pay

    We explain paternity leave and pay, including eligibility, entitlement and notice requirements.

  • Shared parental leave and pay

    We explain issues around shared parental leave to help you stay compliant with family rights law

  • Time off for dependants

    We explain the right for employees to have unpaid time off to care for dependants, including how dependants are defined, and notice requirements.

downloads Family rights and flexible working downloads

Download letters, forms, how to's and other helpful tools relating to family rights and flexible working.

Explore downloads>
business-support Practical HR and employment law advice, guidance and support

We handle over 52,000 queries each year

We are on hand to help you manage the pressures of workplace dynamics, implement legislative reforms and guide you to leverage talent to develop your workforce

Read more >
shift Shift design and implementation: the business case for change

How to understand your utilisation rates, learn strategies that reduce overtime and feasibility test alternative shift patterns.

Read more >

logosmics Lloyds ISO 9001 Logo Lloyds OHSAS 18001 Logo ISO14001 committed_small
Online payments are not supported by your browser. Please choose an alternative browser or make payments through the 'Other payment options' on step 3.