Before parental leave

Employees can access parental leave if they meet certain requirements.

They also have access to other entitlements while pregnant or before adopting.

On this page:

Types of parental leave

Employees can access parental leave as a single continuous period, flexibly across their parental leave period, or a mixture of both.

For more information, go to Types of parental leave.

Screenshot of the Unpaid parental leave made simple timeline showing key stages, actions and milestones before, during and after unpaid parental leave.Unpaid parental leave made simple

Our Unpaid parental leave made simple timeline Unpaid parental leave made simple timeline takes you through the parental leave journey, from before birth through to returning to work.

It highlights the key steps you need to take, and when to take them, so you can plan ahead and understand your workplace rights and responsibilities at every stage.

Applying for parental leave

Before taking parental leave, employees must check they are eligible, give their employer appropriate notice, and provide evidence if requested.

For more information, go to Applying for parental leave.

Entitlements while pregnant

While pregnant, employees are entitled to safe jobs, as well as special maternity leave if a pregnancy-related illness occurs.

For more information, go to Entitlements while pregnant.

Replacement employees

Employers may wish to hire replacement employees to cover for an employee on parental leave. There are rules and responsibilities for employers and replacement employees to consider.

For more information, go to Replacement employees.

Video: Pregnant employee entitlements

Watch our short video on pregnant employee entitlements to learn about:

  • what protections a pregnant employee is entitled to
  • safe jobs during pregnancy and no-safe job leave
  • special parental leave and when it can be taken
  • discrimination during pregnancy.

Tools and resources

Related information