Associate Handbook 2018

Associates must notify the Company of the intended start date. The Company will then write to the Associate within 28 days to inform them of the date they are expected to return to work if they take their full entitlement to adoption leave (Expected Return Date).

Associates can postpone their intended start date by informing the Company in writing at least 28 days before the original date or, if that is not possible, as soon as they can.

Associates can bring forward their intended start date by informing the Company in writing at least 28 days before the new start date or, if that is not possible, as soon as they can.

Shortly before an Associate’s adoption leave starts the Company shall discuss with the Associate the arrangements for covering their work and the opportunities for them to remain in contact, should they wish to do so, during their leave.

Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP)

Statutory adoption pay (SAP) is payable for up to 39 weeks. It stops being payable if Associates return to work sooner or if the placement is disrupted. Associates are entitled to SAP if:

 they have been continuously employed for at least 26 weeks at the end of their Qualifying Week and are still employed by the Company during that week;

 their average weekly earnings during the 8 weeks ending with the Qualifying Week (the Relevant Period) are not less than the lower earnings limit set by the government; and

 they have given the Company the relevant notifications regarding their intention to take leave.

SAP is paid on the following scale:

If length of service is less than 2 years at the 15 th week before the EPD the following benefit will apply: Less than 26 weeks service More than 26 weeks service May be entitled to Statutory Adoption Pay.  Currently £145.18 per week for up to 39 weeks (as at 6 th April 2018) Up to 39 weeks Statutory Adoption Pay which is currently £145.18 (as at 6 th April 2018) per week for up to 39 weeks.

In addition Lockton will top up your adoption pay, creating a total package of;

20 weeks at full pay, plus 19 weeks at 50% pay

 

(Inclusive of SAP) All enhanced company adoption pay will cease with immediate effect in the event that your employment ends during your period of adoption leave (OML or AML.)

Ordinary Leave Plus Additional Leave Up to 13 weeks

Ordinary Leave Plus Additional Leave Up to 13 weeks