Adoption pay and leave

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Overview

When you take time off to adopt a child or have a child through a surrogacy arrangement you might be eligible for:

  • Statutory Adoption Leave
  • Statutory Adoption Pay

There are rules on when and how to claim your paid leave and if you want to change your dates.

You may also be eligible to take Shared Parental Leave and Pay.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Your employment rights when on leave

Your employment rights are protected while on Statutory Adoption Leave. This includes your right to:

  • pay rises
  • build up (accrue) holiday
  • return to work