Managing Maternity, Paternity, Shared Parental & Adoption Leave - A Best Practice Guide

Introduction

The legal framework around employee leave for having or adopting children has expanded significantly in recent years. Shared Parental Leave has seen low uptake, though a 2023 government report suggests this may change with improved awareness and potential reforms, despite its complex rules.

Since April 2024, redundancy protection for those on maternity leave has been extended. In 2025, Neonatal Care Leave was introduced, giving additional time off for parents of babies needing specialist care.

Further changes under the Employment Rights Act 2025 will take effect from 2026, including making paternity and parental leave day-one rights. Additional rights expected from 2027 include stricter rules on refusing flexible working, extended protection from dismissal related to pregnancy, and bereavement leave for miscarriage.

Employees taking such leave are protected from unfair treatment or dismissal and employers risk claims, including discrimination, if they fail to comply.

This webinar aims to clarify the law, help employers manage leave effectively, and provide practical guidance to avoid disputes.

What You Will Learn

This webinar will cover the following:

• Explanation of the different types of family friendly leave available and eligibility requirements
• How to prepare for and manage leave
• Rights during leave
• Redundancy protection
• Issues on return to work
• Automatic Unfair Dismissal and Discrimination

This pre-recorded webinar will be available to view from Friday 14th August 2026

Alternatively, you can gain access to this webinar and 2,300+ others via the MBL Webinar Subscription. Please email webinarsubscription@mblseminars.com for more details.