Associate Handbook 2018

If an Associate does not intend to return to work or is unsure, it is helpful if they discuss this with the Company as early as possible. If an Associate decides not to return they should submit their resignation in accordance with their contract. Once they have done so they will be unable to change their mind without the Company’s agreement. This does not affect the Associate’s right to receive SPP.

6.17

Adoptive Leave

This section outlines the statutory rights and responsibilities of Associates who adopt, and sets out the arrangements for adoption leave.

Definitions

The definitions in this paragraph apply as follows;

Qualifying Week: the week, beginning on a Sunday, in which Associates are notified in writing by an adoption agency of having been matched with a child.

Expected Placement Date (EPD): the date on which an adoption agency expects that it will place a child into an Associates care with a view to adoption.

Ordinary Adoption Leave (OAL): a period of up to 26 weeks' leave available to all Associates who qualify for adoption leave.

Entitlement to adoption leave

Adoption leave is only available if Associates are adopting through a UK or overseas adoption agency. It is not available if there is no agency involved, for example, if Associates are formally adopting a step-child or other relative.

Associates are entitled to adoption leave if they fulfil the following conditions:

 an adoption agency has given them written notice that it has matched them with a child for adoption and the EPD

 they have notified the agency that they agree to the child being placed with them on the EPD

 they have been continuously employed by the Company for at least 26 weeks ending with the Qualifying Week; and

 their spouse or partner will not be taking adoption leave with their employer (although they may be entitled to take paternity leave).

Notification of intention to take leave

Associates must give us notice in writing of:

the EPD; and



their intended start date for adoption leave

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