Enhancements to parental leave

As a result of the University's Athena Swan action plan we are excited to announce enhancements to our parental leave policies.

Change in length of service requirements

We want to support more UoY parents to be able to take time off with their family. With effect from 1 August 2023, we have removed the length of service required to access paid parental leave. Previously, colleagues had to have 26 weeks service with the University in order to be eligible for occupational pay. Under the new policy, occupational pay entitlements will be available as a day one right for maternity, adoption and paternity / partner leave.(Note that, due to the complexity of the statutory framework, there are different arrangements in respect of the Shared Parental Leave scheme).

We also want to create a workplace where individuals feel empowered to embrace their journey into parenthood without compromising their career aspirations. The hope is that this change in policy will be a positive addition to our recruitment offering, attracting a pool of potential candidates who may have felt deterred by the old policy.

A second week of paid paternity / partner leave

Paternity / partner leave enables a member of staff to take two weeks off soon after they become a parent. Previously, colleagues only received occupational pay for one week and feedback showed that many simply couldn't afford to take the second week off. Under the new policy (from 1 August 2023 onwards), colleagues eligible for paternity / partner leave can take two weeks off on full pay to spend precious time with their child.

A more inclusive policy

Whilst there are still four different types of parental leave: maternity, adoption, shared and paternity / partner leave these have now been pulled together under the banner of the Family Support Leave Policy. This is to help prospective parents to find things more easily in one place.

In line with the University's commitment to equality and diversity we have also revised the policy to use gender-neutral language wherever possible.* This is in celebration of the diversity of families at UoY and all individuals who are taking their journey into parenthood.

Find out more

If you have already applied for parental leave that commences on or after 1 August 2023, HR Services will be in touch if your entitlement has changed as a result of the new policy.

Read the new Family Support Leave Policy in full

* You will see that the term 'paternity' is used throughout the new Family Support Leave Policy. This is still the term used in UK Government policy, so is necessary language in explaining policy and statutory entitlement. We have coupled paternity with partner (paternity / partner leave) in recognition of the diverse reality of families.