Hi, I really need some advice on Shared Parental Leave. I have done lots of research online but not found the answer!
My wife is self employed (working from home) and it makes no sense for her to take time off only to receive the statutory £138 per week. I would like to take the leave instead of her so we can both be home to look after the baby and she will also be able to continue working with me being home to help out.
They don't seem to address the issue of the father taking the full leave if the mother does not want to.
Firstly, I want to know, is it possible for her to not take any maternity leave at all and for me to start the leave from the day our baby is born? Everything I read keeps referring to her 'ending her maternity leave early' but we don't want her to even register for maternity leave as it doesn't make financial sense. Is this possible?
Secondly, will I be paid the full 90% of my salary for the first 6 weeks? and will it then go down to the statutory £138 per week?
Any advice would be much appreciated.
I can't see that legislation was drawn up with even the thought that the mother wouldn't take any maternity leave - might be worth having a word with the Citizens Advice Bureau, and also your HR dept.