Navigating the process of how to request parental leave in the UK requires more than just a quick chat with your line manager — it involves specific statutory notice periods and a clear understanding of the correct written procedure. Whether you're applying for Shared Parental Leave or taking advantage of your entitlement to 18 weeks of unpaid leave per child, knowing exactly how to request parental leave in compliance with UK employment standards keeps the process smooth and professional. In this guide, we break down the 21-day notice requirement, what to include in your written request, and how to handle the conversation confidently to secure the time off you're entitled to.
Read the full guide below or read the quick 60 Second Solution.
We also have guides on how to claim maternity leave and paternity leave.
Who is Eligible for Parental Leave?
What Are the Entitlements for Parental Leave?
Step-by-Step Guide to Requesting Parental Leave
Parental Leave Request Template
After Requesting Parental Leave
What is Parental Leave?
Parental leave in the UK is a distinct, statutory right that allows parents to take a block of unpaid time off work specifically to look after a child's welfare or to spend more time with them.
It's important not to confuse it with other types of family leave. While parental leave is designed for general childcare, other types of leave serve different purposes: Maternity and Adoption Leave are for recovery from birth and bonding with a new child, Paternity Leave is a short, paid period for partners, and Shared Parental Leave allows parents to share the mother's or adopter's leave entitlement.
Who is Eligible for Parental Leave?
As of 6 April 2026, you are eligible to request and take unpaid parental leave from your first day in a new job, provided you meet the following conditions:
- Employment Status: You must be an employee. Workers or those who are self-employed do not have this statutory right.
- Parental Responsibility: You must have legal parental responsibility for the child. This is typically shown by being named on the child's birth or adoption certificate, a parental order for surrogacy, or being a legal guardian. Step-parents may also be eligible.
What Are the Entitlements for Parental Leave?
- It is Unpaid: Your employer is not obliged to pay you during this leave.
- Leave Allowance: You are entitled to 18 weeks of leave for each child, up to their 18th birthday. You cannot transfer this allowance between children.
- Usage Limit: You can only take a maximum of 4 weeks of parental leave per year for each child (unless your employer agrees otherwise).
- Leave Block: Leave must generally be taken in blocks or multiples of one week. A week is equal to the number of days you normally work in a week (e.g., 5 days for a full-time employee). For children with disabilities, you can take leave in individual days.
Step-by-Step Guide to Requesting Parental Leave
Step 1: Check Your Contract and Company Policy
First, look at your employment contract and staff handbook. Some employers offer enhanced parental leave that may be paid or offer more flexible terms than the statutory minimum.
Step 2: Give Correct Notice to Your Employer
You must give your employer proper notice:
- You must notify them at least 21 days before you want your leave to start.
- Your notice must be in writing (an email is sufficient).
- You must specify the start and end dates of the leave.
Step 3: Submit a Formal Written Request
Always put your request in writing to create a clear record.
Parental Leave Request Template
Dear [Manager's Name],
I am writing to formally request to take unpaid parental leave under my statutory entitlement.
I am eligible as I have [child's name] who is [child's age].
I request to take [number] weeks of parental leave, starting on [start date] and ending on [end date]. This will leave me with [number] weeks of my remaining allowance for [child's name].
The purpose of this leave is for childcare, specifically [brief, optional reason - e.g., 'to settle my child into a new nursery'].
Please confirm receipt of this notice and let me know if you require any further information.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Employee Number/Department]
After Requesting Parental Leave
After you've submitted your request, here's what you can expect from your employer:
- Approval: In most cases, particularly for leave that follows the birth or adoption of a child, your request will be automatically approved and cannot be postponed.
- Postponement: For leave requested at other times, your employer can postpone your leave for up to six months if they believe your absence during the requested period would cause significant disruption to the business. If this happens, they must discuss the reasons for the postponement with you within seven days of your request and agree on new dates.
- Keep a Record: Once approved, you should keep a copy of the confirmation email or letter for your personal records. This is useful for tracking your remaining leave entitlement.
We also have guides on how to claim maternity leave and paternity leave.
Last updated: 21/05/2026
Tap the button below for a summarised, step by step guide.
60 Second Solution
Step 1: Check You Qualify
You must:
- Have a child under 18.
- Have parental responsibility (e.g., on the birth certificate).
Step 2: Plan Your Leave
- You get 18 weeks per child until they turn 18.
- Normally taken in blocks of 1 week.
- Max 4 weeks per year per child.
Step 3: Give Notice (Critical!)
- Notify in writing (email is fine).
- Give at least 21 days’ notice before start date.
- Include exact start and end dates.
Step 4: Know Employer’s Response
- They can’t refuse if you’re eligible.
- They can postpone for business reasons, but must propose new dates within 6 months.
Step 5: Use This Email Template
Subject: Parental Leave Request
Dear [Manager],
I request [X] weeks of statutory unpaid parental leave for my child, [Name], from [Start] to [End].
Please confirm receipt.
Regards,
[Your Name]