Paid adoption leave is available to employed people who are adopting a child on their own, or for one member of a couple who are adopting together. The couple can decide who'll take the paid leave. The other member of the couple, or the partner of the adopter, may be able to take paid paternity leave. The University's policy on adoption leave is outlined in detail. Benefits are provided at a higher level than the statutory minimum.

see also: adoption, policy

University employees may take a reasonable amount of unpaid time off work to deal with unexpected or sudden emergencies involving a dependant and to make any necessary longer term arrangements. Typical situations include the breakdown of care arrangements for a dependant, a child falling sick or being injured or a dependant going into labour. The criteria for eligibility end entitlement are outlined as well as an explanation of the procedure.

see also: dependants, policy

University staff holiday entitlements are outlined in the Conditions of Employment given to each staff member on appointment. The leave year coincides with the academic year and runs from 1 October to 30 September inclusive. There are 10 'Academic Buildings Closed' days and staff holidays are arranged within departments.

see also: annual, holidays

Any pregnant staff member, who has been continuously employed in the University's service for a minimum period of 12 months prior to the expected week of birth, is entitled to the University's maternity leave. The maternity leave agreement applies to full and part-time workers, irrespective of how many hours are worked. Staff members, who have been continuously employed in the University's service for less than 12 months before the expected week of childbirth, qualify for statutory maternity entitlements. The steps the expectant mother must take at each stage of her pregnancy and her entitlements while on leave are detailed here.

see also: maternity

A staff member will have a right to unpaid parental leave if he or she has one year's continuous service and is the parent of a child born after December 15 1999 who is under five years old (or under 18 years old in the case of a child with a disability). This leave entitlement applies to adoptive parents or staff members who have acquired formal parental responsibility for a child, subject to certain conditions. The extent of the leave entitlement, its impact on other benefits and entitlements, and the notification requirements are outlined.

see also: parental

Members of staff are entitled to paternity leave if they have 26 weeks qualifying service (ending with 15th week before the baby is due) and continue to work from the 15th week before the baby is due up to the date of birth. The staff member must meet certain criteria regarding responsibility for the baby and mother. They can choose whether to take either one week or two consecutive week's paternity leave. The University's provision goes beyond the statutory provision and provides for full pay for the first week and statutory paternity pay for the second week.

see also: paternity