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What are the main similarities and differences between adoption leave and maternity leave?

What are the main similarities and differences between adoption leave and maternity leave?

Both are entitled to up to 52 weeks of leave and 39 weeks of statutory pay and to take time off for adoption or ante-natal appointments.  See AD7: Time Off for Adoption Appointments Policy and MAT11: Time Off for Antenatal Appointments Policy.  Similarly, once the leave has ended, both are entitled to return to the same job or a suitable alternative and protected from dismissal or detriment due to having taking adoption/maternity leave.  Employers are entitled to minimum notice from their employees if they intend to take adoption or maternity leave.

However, employers have additional health and safety obligations in relation to pregnant employees and not all adoptions are protected under the law.  For example, some private adoptions are not covered by the legislation.  See AD1: How to guide – Adoption for details and MAT1: How to guide – Pregnancy and maternity for details.

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AD7 – Time Off for Adoption Appointments Policy

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MAT11 – Time Off for Antenatal Appointments Policy

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AD1 – How to guide – Adoption

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MAT1 – How to guide – Pregnancy and maternity