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Adoption leave entitlement

Adoption Leave Entitlements

• You are entitled to take 52 weeks of adoption leave if you are the person adopting the child (if you are in a couple, only one parent can take adoption leave – although as of 3rd April 2011 the principal parent will be able to transfer all or part of the second six month period to the other parent).

• You must have been continuously employed for 26 weeks or more by the same employer in the week that you are notified that you have been matched with a child.

• You must have notified the adoption agency that you agree to the placement of the child with you and you have agreed the date of the placement.

• You must give your employer at least 7 days’ notice of your intention to take Adoption Leave.

• Entitlement to 6 weeks at 90% of earnings followed by a flat rate of £124.88 for 33 weeks unless your employer offers you better. (Flat rate is correct until April 2011).

• If you are below the Lower Earnings Limit (£97 until April 2011) then you will receive 90% of this at the flat rate.

• You have the right not to suffer detriment, be discriminated against or dismissed for requesting adoption leave.

• You have the right to return to your own job on same terms and conditions if you have taken ordinary adoption leave. If you have taken additional adoption leave you are still entitled to return to your own job, unless the employer can demonstrate it is not reasonably practicable. In this case you must be given a similar job of similar status.