What Do Shared Parental Leave Solicitors Do?
Welcoming a child is a life-changing moment, and balancing work with family life is more important than ever. Shared Parental Leave (SPL) gives you the flexibility to share the joy (and the work) of raising your child. Our shared parental leave solicitors help employees understand their rights, ensuring you get the time off you are entitled to without fear of unfair treatment.
We support clients remotely, helping you focus on what matters most.
- Understand how to split leave and pay between parents.
- Know your rights if your employer tries to refuse your request.
- Protect yourself from discrimination by taking leave.
- Ensure your statutory or contractual pay is calculated correctly.
- Get expert legal advice without leaving your home.
Family Life, Your Way
The old rules of 'mum stays home, dad goes to work' are long gone. Shared Parental Leave allows you to design a schedule that works for your family. However, the rules can be complex, and employers don't always get it right. With over 4,000 five-star reviews, Winston Solicitors is the trusted choice for parents who want to secure their rights and their income during this special time.
Despite the benefits, many eligible parents miss out on SPL because they are unsure of the rules or fear employer pushback. According to government data, the policy has seen an incredibly low take-up rate, with only around 1% of eligible mothers and 5% of eligible fathers utilising the scheme since its inception.
Our remote legal service is perfect for busy parents. You can get expert advice via phone or video call at a time that suits you, so you don't have to worry about childcare or travel.
I honestly can't recommend Winston Solicitors enough. I reached out to them when I was in need of employment law advice and received a call from Samira. She was friendly and gave me some advice when my world had been turned upside down. Samira handled my negotiation for me, along with her excellent colleague... They made me feel comfortable, stood up for me and my rights, and negotiated a great package.
I would wholeheartedly recommend them and would not hesitate to contact Winston Solicitors if I ever need legal help again.
Kevin, Client
What Is Shared Parental Leave?
Shared Parental Leave (SPL) allows eligible parents to share up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of statutory pay after the birth or adoption of a child. Instead of the mother taking the full year of maternity leave, you can choose to split it.
You can take time off together, or you can take turns. You can even stop and start work, returning for important projects before resuming your leave. It offers true flexibility for modern families.
Your Rights at Work
Crucially, this is a right, not just a request. Unlike flexible working (which an employer can refuse on business grounds), eligible employees have a legal right to take Shared Parental Leave.
Your employer cannot treat you unfairly or dismiss you for asking to take SPL. If they do, it is discrimination. You are also entitled to return to the same job (or a similar one) after your leave ends.
How Our Shared Parental Leave Solicitors Can Help
We ensure your employer follows the rules. Whether you are facing a refusal, a calculation error with your pay, or unfair treatment because you want to take leave, we are here to help.
New parents have enough to worry about without entering a battle with their employer. We handle the legal side so you can enjoy your time with your family.
Samira Cakali, Head of Employment
How It Works
Navigating the SPL process can be tricky. Here is the basic framework:
- Eligibility Check: Both parents must meet certain work and pay criteria. We can help you verify this.
- Give Notice: The mother must end her maternity leave (or commit to ending it) to trigger SPL.
- Book Leave: You must give your employer at least 8 weeks' notice of the leave you want to take.
- Agree Patterns: While employers can't refuse the leave itself, they can discuss the specific pattern of 'discontinuous' leave (stop-start blocks).
- Pay & Benefits: We ensure you receive the correct Statutory Shared Parental Pay (ShPP) or contractual enhancements.
Winston Solicitors was recommended to me by a friend, and I now know why. Samira supported me during a difficult time and made everything feel manageable. She’s extremely knowledgeable, efficient, and great to work with. I felt supported throughout the process. I’d happily return if I needed help again and will be recommending Winston Solicitors to others. A fantastic team!
Ahroob, Client
The rules around splitting pay and notice periods are confusing. We clarify exactly what you are entitled to, so you don’t lose out financially
Samira Cakali, Head of Employment
Plan Your Family Time with Confidence
Don't let confusion or employer pressure stop you from taking the leave you are entitled to. Call our team on 0113 320 5000 for clear, expert advice.
We are here to help you balance your career and your family life.
Generally, no. If you are eligible and book a single block of leave, they cannot refuse it. They can only refuse requests for discontinuous leave (e.g., working every other week), but they must try to reach an agreement.
Statutory Shared Parental Pay is currently paid at a set weekly rate (or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower). Some employers offer enhanced pay, which we can check in your contract.
Yes. You can choose to be off together to bond as a family, or you can tag-team to extend the time the child is cared for at home.
This is unlawful. You are protected from 'detriment' (unfair treatment) for seeking to take SPL. If this happens, we can help you raise a grievance or bring a claim.
No. SPL is available to the mother's partner, including same-sex partners and adoptive parents, provided you share responsibility for the child.
