Parental Leave

Parental leave ensures that parents can take time away from work to care for their newborn or newly adopted child, secure in the knowledge that they still have a job to return to.

Parental leave is available only under certain conditions, so it is important that you know your rights and responsibilities regarding parental leave.

The SDA works extremely hard, not only to maintain, but to improve, parental leave rights for our members.

What is Parental Leave?

Parental Leave

Is the term used to describe unpaid parental leave (which in the past was more commonly known as maternity, paternity and adoption leave), provided for employees in connection with the birth or adoption of a child. Parental leave provisions also recognise same-sex and de facto relationships.

Employer Paid Parental Leave

Refers to payments made by some employers to employees who qualify for a company's own Paid Parental Leave scheme. If your employer has such a scheme, it is important that you contact the SDA or your employer for further information, as each employer's scheme varies significantly.

Unpaid Parental Leave

Unpaid parental leave entitles an eligible employee, following the birth of an eligible child, to take leave to care for the child. This may be either parent and may change over the course of the parental leave period. However the leave must be continuous.

More Info

If you have any further questions, contact the SDA.