Parental Leave Request Letter: Free Template and What to Include

If you need to request your statutory entitlement to unpaid parental leave, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong parental leave request should include.

What this letter needs to cover

• Confirm the child's age and give at least 21 days' notice
• State the leave dates requested
• Confirm entitlement to 18 weeks unpaid parental leave per child up to age 18 with maximum 4 weeks per year
• Note the employer's right to postpone by up to 6 months with 7 days written notice

Your right to unpaid parental leave

Parents are entitled to 18 weeks of unpaid parental leave per child, available up until the child's 18th birthday. In England, Wales and Scotland this has been a day-one right since 6 April 2026; in Northern Ireland you still need 1 year's service — this is separate from maternity, paternity, or shared parental leave, and is specifically designed to help with ongoing childcare needs throughout a child's early life.

What to include before you send it

• Confirmation of your eligibility (in Northern Ireland, including 1 year's service)
• The specific dates you're requesting leave for
• Confirmation of how much parental leave you've already used for this child, if any
• The required notice period, generally at least 21 days before the leave starts

Limits worth knowing before you plan around this leave

You can generally take a maximum of 4 weeks per child in any single year, and leave is normally taken in whole weeks rather than single days (except for children entitled to disability living allowance, where more flexibility applies). Your employer can postpone a request in limited circumstances, but must consult you first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is parental leave paid?
No — this is an unpaid statutory entitlement, distinct from paid leave types like maternity or paternity leave.

Can my employer refuse my request entirely?
They can postpone in specific circumstances where the timing would unduly disrupt the business, but must offer alternative dates and can't refuse the entitlement altogether.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Postcode]
[Name of Manager / HR]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[Company Postcode]
[Date]

Dear [Name],

Subject: Request for unpaid parental leave

I am requesting unpaid parental leave under the Maternity and Parental Leave etc. Regulations 1999 [Northern Ireland: the Northern Ireland equivalent regulations].

I have parental responsibility for [Child's Name], who was born on [Date] (aged [age]). [Northern Ireland only: I have worked for you for at least one year.]

The leave I am requesting:
• Start date: [Date]
• End date: [Date]
• Length: [e.g. 2 weeks]

I am entitled to 18 weeks' unpaid parental leave for each child up to their 18th birthday, with a maximum of 4 weeks a year for each child. I am giving you at least 21 days' notice.

I understand you can postpone the leave by up to 6 months if your business would be unduly disrupted, but you must tell me in writing within 7 days of this request.

Please confirm these dates in writing.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]