New Parent & Parental Leave Policy¶

FooEngine recognises that becoming a parent is a major life event. We aim to support employees through pregnancy, birth, adoption and early parenthood with flexibility, understanding and clear guidance on leave entitlements.

This policy explains parental leave rights and how to request leave.

Scope¶

This policy applies to:

Maternity leave
Paternity leave
Adoption leave
Shared parental leave
Parental leave

All statutory entitlements are provided in line with UK employment law. Any enhanced parental benefits will be confirmed in an employee's individual contract if offered.

Eligibility¶

Employees are entitled to statutory parental leave and pay where they meet the qualifying criteria set by UK law.

Eligibility depends on:

Length of service
Employment status
Expected week of childbirth or adoption placement date

Employees are responsible for confirming key dates and providing required documentation. Management will assist where needed.

Notification Requirements¶

Employees should inform their line manager as early as possible if:

They or their partner are pregnant
They are adopting a child
They intend to take shared parental leave

Formal statutory notification deadlines still apply. Guidance will be provided once you notify the Company.

Health & Safety¶

Where an employee is pregnant, FooEngine will carry out any required health and safety risk assessment for remote or travel-related work.

Types of Leave¶

Maternity Leave¶

Eligible employees may take up to 52 weeks maternity leave in line with statutory rules.

Paternity Leave¶

Eligible UK employees may take up to two weeks of Statutory Paternity Leave following the birth of a child or placement for adoption, in line with UK legislation.

Adoption Leave¶

Eligible employees adopting a child may take statutory adoption leave.

Shared Parental Leave¶

Eligible parents may choose to convert maternity/adoption leave into shared parental leave in line with statutory rules.

Unpaid Parental Leave¶

Employees may take unpaid parental leave in line with statutory limits.

Full statutory details will be provided when leave is requested, as rules may change over time.

Pay During Leave¶

Statutory parental pay will be paid where eligibility criteria are met.

If FooEngine offers enhanced parental pay in the future, this will:

Be confirmed in writing
Form part of an individual agreement
Be inclusive of statutory payments

At present, parental pay beyond statutory entitlements is not contractual unless specifically stated in an employment agreement.

Keeping in Touch¶

Employees on maternity or adoption leave may take up to 10 statutory Keeping in Touch (KIT) days.

Employees on shared parental leave may take Shared Parental Leave in Touch (SPLIT) days.

These allow work or training without ending leave entitlement. Payment will be in line with statutory rules.

Holiday Accrual¶

Annual leave continues to accrue during parental leave, as required by law.

Employees should discuss with their manager how accrued holiday will be taken before or after parental leave.

Contact During Leave¶

FooEngine may make reasonable contact during leave to:

Provide important business updates
Discuss return-to-work arrangements

Employees may opt out of non-essential communications if preferred.

Return to Work¶

Employees returning from parental leave have the right to return to work in line with statutory protections.

If an employee wishes to change their return date, they must give appropriate statutory notice.

Flexible working requests related to childcare will be considered under the Flexible Working Policy.

Paid time off is permitted for pregnancy-related medical appointments in line with statutory rights. Employees should notify their manager in advance.

IVF, Miscarriage & Bereavement¶

FooEngine aims to handle these situations sensitively and compassionately.

Reasonable paid or unpaid time off may be agreed
Support will be discussed individually
Statutory entitlements apply where relevant

Employees are encouraged to speak to their manager or senior management to agree appropriate arrangements.

No Discrimination¶

No employee will be treated unfairly or disadvantaged due to pregnancy, parenthood, or taking parental leave. Any inappropriate behaviour will be addressed under the Dignity & Respect Policy.