Manage a changed adoption leave start date

Key points

  • Employees must notify their employer of their intention to take adoption leave, and the date on which they intend their adoption leave to start, within a set timescale. The timing of the notification depends on whether the child is being adopted within the UK or from overseas.
  • The employer must respond to the notification within 28 days, informing the employee of the date on which their additional adoption leave will end.
  • The employee may change their mind about the adoption leave start date, so long as they give the required notice.
  • This triggers a duty on the employer to write to the employee with the new adoption leave end date. A failure to do so could have significant consequences.

XpertHR resources