Employees are entitled to leave for a number of different family-related situations, for example maternity or paternity leave. Family leave entitlements are statutory (legally required) but organisations can offer their employees additional enhanced terms, which can be seen as attractive benefits as part of recruitment and retention strategies. This guide explains some of the legal minimum requirements around pay and leave entitlements but make sure to check your own policies or employee handbook.

While managing family leave arrangements is one of the most common people management issues that your HR department will deal with, it may be less familiar territory for you as a manager.

It’s therefore important to be guided by your HR department, which will have expertise in this area and be up to date with the latest relevant advice and legislation.

There are also a range of forthcoming changes to employment law that will be introduced over the next few years, so we recommend always checking the latest information when supporting an employee taking family leave.

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