York introduces enhanced adoption leave and pay

Posted on 23 October 2015

The University of York is marking National Adoption Week by introducing a new adoption leave and pay policy.

The policy will provide staff with up to two days' paid leave to explore an application for adoption, in addition to leave provided by the legislation for adoptive parents once matched with a child.

The University also offers generous paid leave of up to 39 weeks and unpaid leave of 13 weeks for any employee taking adoption leave, subject to eligibility.

Dr David Duncan, University Registrar, said: "The University is keen to support members of staff who are wishing to adopt and to help working parents balance work and family life by offering flexibility in providing care for their children.

“As an employer, we recognised that we could do more to support members of staff who are considering adopting a child. We hope that this enhanced leave and pay package will result in more staff pursuing adoption.”

Hugh Thornbery, Chief Executive of Adoption UK, said: "Adoption UK is pleased when employers recognise the needs of adopters in what can be a long and complicated process. It’s great that they offer to support them in their endeavour to provide a loving, stable forever family to children who can no longer live with their birth families.”