Shared Parental Leave Notification Letter Template & Generator

If you need to notify your employer of your intention to take shared 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 shared parental leave notification should include, plus a free tool to generate yours.

What this letter needs to cover

• Confirm the partner has curtailed maternity leave
• State the SPL dates being requested
• Confirm entitlement to Shared Parental Pay at the statutory rate for eligible weeks
• Request confirmation within 14 days

How Shared Parental Leave notification works

Shared Parental Leave allows eligible parents to split up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay between them — but the notification process is more involved than standard maternity or paternity leave, requiring both parents to provide specific declarations and a notice of entitlement before leave can begin.

What to include before you send it

• Confirmation of your eligibility and your partner's eligibility
• The total leave you intend to take and proposed dates
• Confirmation of how much maternity or adoption leave has been or will be curtailed to allow for shared leave
• A booking notice for each specific period of leave, given at least 8 weeks in advance

Why the process has more steps than standard maternity leave

Because Shared Parental Leave involves coordinating entitlement between two parents (and their two separate employers), the notification process requires more detailed declarations upfront — getting this right from the start avoids confusion or disputes about entitlement later in the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can leave be taken in separate blocks rather than one continuous period?
Yes — Shared Parental Leave can be taken in up to three separate blocks per parent, offering more flexibility than traditional maternity leave.

What if my partner is self-employed?
Different eligibility rules can apply — it's worth checking the specific eligibility criteria for a self-employed partner before finalising your Shared Parental Leave plans.

See our full letter template & generator library for related letters, or use our free checkers for guidance specific to your situation.