Yes, you must permit statutory parental leave if the employee meets the eligibility requirements. This includes maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave. For unpaid parental leave, employees with at least 1 year of service are also entitled to it, subject to notice requirements.
For free managers guides and templates – Family Leave Guide (Support section) 👉 – https://breathingspacehr.co.uk/how-to-hr/
Probation allows faster decisions but still requires a fair process: concerns explained, a chance to respond, notice/pay handled correctly, and care taken to avoid discrimination.
Read moreKeep in touch sensitively, hold review meetings, seek medical/Occupational Health advice. Consider reasonable adjustments, and follow your absence/capability policy. Treat long-term sickness fairly and consistently.
Read moreYes, you can continue with an investigation if the person goes off sick, but you should be mindful of their health. Consider adjusting the process to accommodate their condition, such as delaying interviews or offering alternative communication methods. Ensure the employee is treated fairly and reasonably throughout the process. For free managers guides and templates […]
Read morematernity leave is 52 weeks (26 weeks ordinary and 26 weeks additional), with statutory maternity pay (SMP) for up to 39 weeks. Paternity leave is 1 or 2 weeks, with statutory paternity pay (SPP) for up to 2 weeks. Both are subject to eligibility criteria.
Read moreWritten employment contracts, core policies (disciplinary, grievance, absence, equality, data protection), Ro-work checks, payroll and auto-enrolment, Basic H&S, and compliant onboarding. Add a staff handbook as you grow.
Read moreNo, an employee doesn’t need to be signed back to work by a doctor unless their employer specifically requires it, such as for health and safety reasons. Fitness to work should be discussed at the return to work meeting.
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