Separate from maternity, paternity and Shared Parental Leave, most parents also have a statutory right to unpaid parental leave — up to 18 weeks per child, usable up to their 18th birthday. This guide explains how it works in 2026/27.
What Unpaid Parental Leave Is
Unpaid parental leave is a separate statutory right allowing eligible parents to take time off work to look after a child, distinct from maternity, paternity, adoption or Shared Parental Leave, and — unlike those entitlements — it is unpaid unless an employer chooses to pay it as a matter of contractual policy.
Each parent has their own separate entitlement of up to 18 weeks per child, usable any time up until the child’s 18th birthday (with different rules if the child receives Disability Living Allowance or PIP, where it may be usable for longer), rather than needing to be taken all at once around the birth.
Eligibility and Annual Limits
To qualify, an employee generally needs a minimum period of continuous employment and parental responsibility for the child. There is usually a cap on how many weeks can be taken for one child in a single year (commonly up to four weeks per child per year, unless the employer agrees otherwise), encouraging leave to be spread rather than all used at once.
Leave is normally taken in blocks of a week or more, rather than single odd days, except in specific circumstances relating to a disabled child, where more flexibility may apply.
Notice and When an Employer Can Postpone
Employees generally need to give a set minimum notice period before the intended leave, and, in most cases, employers can postpone (but not simply refuse) a request if the timing would cause significant business disruption, provided they offer alternative dates within a reasonable period and give notice of the postponement themselves.
Postponement is not usually allowed around the time of a child’s birth or adoption placement, reflecting the importance of that specific period, so the right to postpone mainly applies to requests made at other points during the child’s life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is unpaid parental leave the same as paternity or maternity leave?
No — it is a separate statutory right that exists alongside maternity, paternity, adoption and Shared Parental Leave, and unlike those entitlements it is generally unpaid unless your employer chooses to pay it under its own policy.
How much unpaid parental leave am I entitled to?
Each eligible parent generally has up to 18 weeks per child, usable any time from when the child is born or placed for adoption up until their 18th birthday, subject to an annual cap on how many weeks can typically be taken for one child in a single year.
Can my employer refuse my request for parental leave outright?
Generally no — an employer can usually postpone a request if the timing would cause significant business disruption, offering alternative dates within a reasonable period, but outright refusal without a valid postponement process is not normally permitted for a qualifying request.
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How much notice do I need to give for unpaid parental leave?
A minimum notice period generally applies before the intended start date, and it is typically longer than the notice needed for some other types of leave, so plan ahead where possible, particularly if you want to take leave at a specific, less flexible time.
Can I take unpaid parental leave in single days?
Usually no — leave is normally required to be taken in blocks of at least a week, except in specific circumstances involving a disabled child, where shorter or more flexible periods may be permitted.
Does unpaid parental leave affect my other employment rights?
Your employment continues and your continuity of service is generally preserved while on unpaid parental leave, and you retain your right to return to the same job (or a suitable alternative for longer periods of leave), similar in principle to protections for other family-related leave.
How long do I need to have worked for my employer to qualify?
You generally need to be classed as an employee (rather than a worker) and to have built up a minimum period of continuous service with your employer — typically around a year — before you can make a qualifying request for unpaid parental leave.
Does unpaid parental leave apply to adopted children too?
Yes — the right generally applies equally where a child has been placed with you for adoption, with the 18-week entitlement per child normally running from the date of placement rather than being restricted to birth children only.
What happens to unused parental leave if I change employer?
Weeks already taken with a previous employer usually count towards your overall 18-week entitlement for that child, so a new employer does not generally reset the clock, though you will typically need to build up qualifying service again before you can request any remaining leave.
Is unpaid parental leave paid into my workplace pension?
Employer pension contributions may continue during a period of unpaid parental leave depending on your scheme rules and contract, so it is worth checking with your employer or scheme provider how an unpaid period is treated before you take extended leave.
Disclaimer: This guide reflects UK rules as they generally apply in 2026/27. This guide is for general information only and is not professional advice. Consult a qualified adviser and refer to gov.uk for current official guidance before relying on any treatment.
