Maternity, paternity and adoption rights

Mothers, fathers, partners and adoptive parents are entitled to a range of paternity, maternity or adoption leave and pay and shared parental leave rights, both before and after birth or adoption.

This factsheet introduces these main rights.

On this page

• The context for maternity, paternity and adoption rights
• The UK legal position
• Maternity rights
• Paternity rights
• Shared parental leave
• Adoption rights
• Guidance for employers
• Useful contacts and further reading

Members access only

Unlock exclusive, tailored content and resources, just for members.

Not a member yet? Find out how you can become a member today!

Tackling barriers to work today whilst creating inclusive workplaces of tomorrow.

Bullying

Discover our practice guidance and recommendations to tackle bullying and harassment in the workplace.

Share

Related content

Explore our collection of resources around maternity and parental rights, including Q&As on shared parental leave and adoption law and relevant case law

Advice for managers on how they can help to manage maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, parental leave and parental bereavement leave

James Cockett, Labour Market Economist at the CIPD, analyses the UK Government’s recent budget announcement on childcare reforms and the challenges in the sector

Explore our guidance on maternity, paternity, shared parental leave and pay.