Shared Parental Leave - General - HR in Schools and Academies

2 Shared Parental Leave

Naomi | 0 Posts

26 Nov, 2024 16:54

Hi,

We have a teacher due to go on ML at the end of Jan. She would then like to end her ML at the end of term and "work" for two weeks (Easter holiday). Then take ShPL for 13 weeks and "work" for 6 weeks (Summer holiday). Then take ShPL for 16 weeks and "work" for two weeks (Christmas holiday). Then take the remaining ShPL entitlement.

I know she has a right to do this, and I have helped her with it, so that she can maximise her leave and pay, but it isn't really in the spirit of the scheme and I just wanted to find out what others thought. I have been questioned, as effectively, we will be paying her full pay for two months in total during this period, as I understand it, which we wouldn't if she just took ML.

Thank you for your time and thoughts,

Naomi

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Kimberly | 0 Posts

27 Nov, 2024 16:09

Hi Naomi

This has become a real issue for us from a cost perspective - there is a webiste dedicated to helping teachers maximise their pay using school holiday periods and I know a couple of our staff have paid a consultant to help them with this too.

I am of the opinion we should not help staff with this, as as you've pointed out, it is not in the spirit of the scheme nor of the profession, and it is for an employee to decide what works for them.
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Nina Waters | 0 Posts

27 Nov, 2024 16:53

Unfortunately, it's poorly worded legislation that has allowed a loophole to exist that was never intended. I can't blame people for taking advantage of that loophole, but it is frustrating.

In my school I've actually now adapted our policy in light of it, because it was raised as a concern by those who couldn't benefit. We have only ever paid statutory maternity pay in the past, but we have now enhanced that pay but only for people who work all year round (who may be full or part time, but with a work pattern across 52 weeks). It still doesn't even out, but it helps slightly!

I can't see this getting to the top of the legislative agenda any time soon, but it would definitely help if someone got hold of the wording and eliminated the unintended consequences.
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