{"id":44494,"date":"2025-10-28T12:52:11","date_gmt":"2025-10-28T12:52:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/?post_type=resources&#038;p=44494"},"modified":"2025-11-10T10:45:53","modified_gmt":"2025-11-10T10:45:53","slug":"adoption-leave-and-pay","status":"publish","type":"resources","link":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/resources\/adoption-leave-and-pay\/","title":{"rendered":"Adoption leave and pay in the UK: an employer\u2019s guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull resource-sticky-downloadable-template has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull blog-template-header has-light-violet-50-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div style=\"--bb--crumb-gap:.4em;\" class=\"blog-template-breadcrumb wp-block-employmentherocom2025-breadcrumb-block\"><nav role=\"navigation\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"breadcrumb\"><ol class=\"breadcrumb-items\"><li class=\"breadcrumb-item breadcrumb-item--current breadcrumb-item--home\"><span class=\"breadcrumb-item-name\">Home<\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/nav><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"item\":{\"name\":\"Home\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/employmenthero.com\\\/uk\\\/\"}}]}<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group blog-template-tags-row is-content-justification-space-between is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--9)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group blog-template-tags is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><div style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\" class=\"taxonomy-resource-type eh-resource-type wp-block-post-terms\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-post-terms-icon\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" alt=\"icon-blog\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/Blog.png\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/resources\/guides-and-playbooks\/\" rel=\"tag\">Guides and Playbooks<\/a><\/div>\n\n<div style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--0-5);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--0-5)\" class=\"taxonomy-topic eh-topics-separate wp-block-post-terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/blog\/topic\/leadership-and-management\/\" rel=\"tag\">Leadership and Management<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group social-icons-mobile is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-2 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--2);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--2)\"><div \n    class=\"eh-social-sharing-button wp-block-employmentherocom2025-eh-social-sharing-button\" data-icon=\"facebook\" data-social-type=\"facebook\">\n    <span style=\"display: flex;\">\n        <svg class=\"icon\" width=\"24px\" height=\"24px\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"> <title>Group<\/title> <path d=\"M14.4446 6.47609H11.4173V4.40033C11.4173 3.62078 11.9115 3.43904 12.2596 3.43904C12.6068 3.43904 14.3958 3.43904 14.3958 3.43904V0.0120058L11.4537 0C8.18772 0 7.44447 2.55599 7.44447 4.19168V6.47609H5.55566V10.0075H7.44447C7.44447 14.5394 7.44447 20 7.44447 20H11.4173C11.4173 20 11.4173 14.4856 11.4173 10.0075H14.0981L14.4446 6.47609Z\"><\/path><\/svg> \n    <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n<div \n    class=\"eh-social-sharing-button wp-block-employmentherocom2025-eh-social-sharing-button\" data-icon=\"twitter\" data-social-type=\"twitter\">\n    <span style=\"display: flex;\">\n        <svg class=\"icon\" width=\"17\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 17 18\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"> <g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_2187_1527)\"> <path d=\"M6.88269 10.3821L0.554058 18H2.05374L7.54889 11.3855L11.9379 18H17L10.363 7.99774L17 0.00924304H15.5002L9.69721 6.99436L5.06215 0.00924304H-5.51343e-07L6.88306 10.3821H6.88269ZM8.93683 7.90961L9.60929 8.90561L14.9598 16.8309H12.6563L8.33833 10.4349L7.66587 9.43894L2.05303 1.12518H4.35659L8.93683 7.90923V7.90961Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path> <\/g> <defs> <clipPath id=\"clip0_2187_1527\"> <rect width=\"17\" height=\"18\" fill=\"white\" transform=\"matrix(-1 0 0 -1 17 18)\"><\/rect> <\/clipPath> <\/defs> <\/svg> \n    <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n<div \n    class=\"eh-social-sharing-button wp-block-employmentherocom2025-eh-social-sharing-button\" data-icon=\"linkedin\" data-social-type=\"linkedin\">\n    <span style=\"display: flex;\">\n        <svg class=\"icon\" width=\"17px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"0 0 17 16\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"> <title>Shape<\/title> <g id=\"Symbols\" stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"> <g id=\"Icons\/Social\" transform=\"translate(-74.000000, -2.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"> <path d=\"M74.2155762,7.20409322 L77.8588786,7.20409322 L77.8588786,18 L74.2155762,18 L74.2155762,7.20409322 Z M76.0616143,2 C74.8146643,2 74,2.80609002 74,3.86411056 C74,4.90036967 74.7908238,5.72989508 76.0139333,5.72989508 L76.0371667,5.72989508 C77.3079571,5.72989508 78.0993476,4.90032981 78.0993476,3.86411056 C78.0755071,2.80609002 77.3079976,2 76.0616143,2 Z M86.8041976,6.95048874 C84.8702857,6.95048874 84.0038929,7.99790755 83.5205667,8.73245583 L83.5205667,7.20409322 L79.8761714,7.20409322 C79.924419,8.21687707 79.8761714,18 79.8761714,18 L83.5205667,18 L83.5205667,11.9708054 C83.5205667,11.6478911 83.5444071,11.3261725 83.6402952,11.0948476 C83.9041595,10.4502147 84.5037738,9.78266458 85.5095667,9.78266458 C86.8291714,9.78266458 87.3561714,10.773129 87.3561714,12.2237722 L87.3561714,18 L91,18 L91,11.8093881 C91,8.49339883 89.2027762,6.95048874 86.8041976,6.95048874 Z\" id=\"Shape\"><\/path> <\/g> <\/g> <\/svg> \n    <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n<div \n    class=\"eh-social-sharing-button wp-block-employmentherocom2025-eh-social-sharing-button\" data-icon=\"link\" data-social-type=\"copy\">\n    <span style=\"display: flex;\">\n        <svg class=\"icon\" width=\"18\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 19\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path transform=\"translate(6.640285, 0)\" d=\"M9.6365839,1.06427739 L9.6365839,1.06407143 C7.63313006,-0.581342526 4.71799441,-0.287025772 3.06469376,1.72767436 L1.68152847,3.42787366 C1.2637913,3.94153775 1.3305731,4.70585509 1.8305341,5.13486964 C2.33069565,5.56409016 3.0749216,5.4955055 3.49265877,4.98184141 L4.8760246,3.28143615 C5.71089731,2.25863908 7.1949372,2.1243532 8.19104884,2.98176443 C8.20769415,2.99597567 8.22413891,3.01059882 8.24038313,3.02522198 C9.18174573,3.92361924 9.26838157,5.42383144 8.43691815,6.43015171 L5.5610895,9.96627791 L5.53461744,9.99634806 C5.38079871,10.1792405 5.20090901,10.3370058 5.00076417,10.4640831 C4.04676718,11.0718709 2.80719278,10.901748 2.04211006,10.0579301 C1.59709864,9.56877523 0.850065046,9.54303024 0.374169553,10.0002613 C-0.100522665,10.4562566 -0.127195273,11.2205739 0.315008503,11.7099348 C1.3991598,12.9045024 2.99670869,13.4575049 4.56377459,13.1800768 C4.80503134,13.1364133 5.04287882,13.0742134 5.27470991,12.9934771 C6.09434113,12.7094584 6.82152068,12.1980598 7.37542854,11.5155086 L10.2440375,7.98947441 C11.0680808,6.96832503 11.4617524,5.65182909 11.3372134,4.33183184 C11.2235039,3.05137889 10.6100339,1.87267016 9.6365839,1.06427739\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><path transform=\"translate(0, 5.762765)\" d=\"M7.78481199,8.39527139 L6.54864687,9.91484383 C5.73222439,10.9339336 4.27946967,11.1129128 3.25127068,10.3214088 C2.2300908,9.49612727 2.05361038,7.97696676 2.85719793,6.92821874 C2.87083505,6.91050619 2.88447217,6.89299959 2.89851039,6.87569896 L5.82387388,3.27984437 L5.84553284,3.25492322 C5.99915102,3.07203079 6.17924127,2.91447144 6.37938611,2.78739415 C7.23972815,2.23645131 8.34754387,2.31595185 9.12506044,2.98449782 C9.2157072,3.06235067 9.30073868,3.14700021 9.37915214,3.23782854 C9.60657122,3.50207514 9.93486491,3.6513961 10.2784001,3.64665902 C10.6175233,3.64171598 10.9377951,3.48498047 11.155588,3.21764447 L11.1696262,3.20034383 C11.5426416,2.74620216 11.5342187,2.07930388 11.1497722,1.63546021 C9.42768425,-0.367088286 6.45118155,-0.55698335 4.50107292,1.21159465 C4.32298813,1.37306725 4.15713665,1.54813319 4.00472174,1.73555674 L1.08738009,5.32173121 C-0.548874157,7.35084854 -0.312430505,10.3492133 1.62043117,12.0813364 C2.56821124,12.921447 3.80678291,13.3317192 5.05377751,13.2188532 C5.20097822,13.2064956 5.34697566,13.1875473 5.49176982,13.1613904 C6.61362375,12.9593437 7.63039162,12.3585585 8.36398864,11.4636626 L9.59594229,9.94923914 C10.0136795,9.43578101 9.94709821,8.67146367 9.44693666,8.24224316 C8.94677511,7.81302264 8.20254916,7.8816073 7.78481199,8.39527139\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><\/svg> \n    <\/span>\n            <span class=\"eh-social-sharing-button__copied_text\">\n            URL copied for sharing!        <\/span>\n    <\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group post-title-mobile has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><h2 class=\"blog-template-title wp-block-post-title\">Adoption leave and pay in the UK: an employer\u2019s guide<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-5 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-sm-font-size\">Published<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date has-sm-font-size\"><time datetime=\"2025-10-28T12:52:11+00:00\">28 Oct 2025<\/time><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns content-flex is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:55%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group sticky-downloadable-title has-light-violet-50-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-11 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--24)\"><h1 class=\"blog-template-title wp-block-post-title\">Adoption leave and pay in the UK: an employer\u2019s guide<\/h1>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-10 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-9 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-sm-font-size\">Published<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date has-sm-font-size\"><time datetime=\"2025-10-28T12:52:11+00:00\">28 Oct 2025<\/time><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"content-wrapper\" class=\"wp-block-group content-wrapper has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-12 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">When an employee welcomes a child through adoption, it\u2019s one of the most significant moments of their life. As an employer, your role in supporting them through this transition is vital. Understanding adoption leave and pay isn\u2019t just about legal compliance, it\u2019s about building a workplace where every kind of family feels valued and supported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is in this guide?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">This guide explains everything employers need to know about adoption leave in the UK. You\u2019ll learn who qualifies, how to manage pay, what notice periods apply, and how to stay compliant with statutory requirements. It also covers related topics such as surrogacy arrangements, employee rights during leave, and how to make your workplace inclusive for adoptive parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Whether you\u2019re updating your leave policy or handling your first adoption leave request, this guide will help you approach it with confidence, care and compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is adoption leave?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Adoption leave allows an employee to take time off work to bond with a child they are adopting. It exists to provide stability and time for family life to begin, similar to maternity leave. During this period, the employee\u2019s job is protected and they may be entitled to Statutory Adoption Pay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">The entitlement applies when an employee is matched with a child through a UK adoption agency or when adopting from overseas. For fostering-to-adopt arrangements, leave can also begin when the child is placed with the employee under that scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Only one person in a couple can take adoption leave, but the other partner may qualify for paternity or shared parental leave. For more context on related family leave types, explore our <a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/blog\/guide-to-maternity-leave\/\">guide to maternity leave<\/a> and our <a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/resources\/understanding-parental-leave\/\">parental leave overview<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What makes employees entitled to adoption leave?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Employees must meet specific criteria to qualify for adoption leave. Employers should always confirm eligibility before approving requests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Be legally classed as an employee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Only individuals who are legally recognised as employees under UK employment law qualify for adoption leave. Those classified as workers, freelancers or contractors are not entitled to it. Confirming employment status early helps prevent disputes or compliance issues later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tell your employer and give them the correct notice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Employees must inform their employer of their intention to take adoption leave within seven days of being matched with a child, or as soon as possible if that\u2019s not practical. They must confirm:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">\n<li>The date they were matched with a child.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The date they wish their leave to start.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Employers can ask for this in writing and should record it in their HR system for accurate tracking. Using <a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/solutions\/leave-management-software\/\">leave management software<\/a> makes it easier to manage notifications, approvals, and documentation securely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Give proof that you\u2019re adopting or fostering to adopt, if your employer asks for it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">If requested, employees must provide evidence of their adoption. This is usually a matching certificate from the adoption agency confirming the adopter\u2019s details and placement date. For overseas adoptions, employers can also ask for documents showing the official placement and the date the child enters the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are employees entitled to during adoption leave?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Employees who meet eligibility requirements can access statutory leave and pay during their adoption period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Statutory adoption leave<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Eligible employees can take up to 52 weeks of adoption leave. This includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">\n<li><strong>Ordinary Adoption Leave:<\/strong> The first 26 weeks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Additional Adoption Leave:<\/strong> The following 26 weeks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">The leave can begin:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">\n<li>Up to 14 days before the child starts living with the employee (UK adoptions)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When the child arrives in the UK or within 28 days of arrival (overseas adoptions)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On the day of placement for fostering-to-adopt arrangements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Employees do not have to take the full entitlement, but they cannot exceed 52 weeks in total.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Statutory adoption pay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Employees may also qualify for Statutory Adoption Pay during their leave. To be eligible, they must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">\n<li>Have worked continuously for the same employer for at least 26 weeks by the end of the matching week<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Earn an average of at least \u00a3125 per week before tax (based on the 2025 threshold)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide the correct notice and any required documentation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">SAP is paid for up to 39 weeks. The rate is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">\n<li>90% of average weekly earnings for the first six weeks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u00a3187.18 per week or 90% of average weekly earnings (whichever is lower) for the remaining 33 weeks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Employers pay SAP through their usual payroll system and can reclaim most or all of the cost from HMRC, depending on the size of the business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shared parental leave and pay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Adoptive parents can convert unused adoption leave into <a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/resources\/shared-parental-leave-pay\/\">shared parental leave<\/a>, allowing both partners to share the time off and pay more flexibly. To do this, both parents must meet the eligibility criteria and submit the correct notice to their respective employers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">This option helps families balance time and responsibilities more evenly and allows both parents to spend valuable time with their child. To simplify the process and ensure accurate records, consider automating approvals with <a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/resources\/automating-leave\/\">automating leave management<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-1 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#form\"><strong>Download our Parents at Work guide<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the rules for employees to claim their paid leave or change their dates?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Employees must inform their employer within 7 days of being notified by the adoption agency that they have been matched with a child, unless this is not reasonably practicable. They should confirm the expected date of placement and when they would like their Statutory Adoption Leave and Pay to begin. They can change the start date of their leave by notifying you at least 28 days in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">If adoption or placement dates change, flexibility from both sides is essential. Employers should confirm any adjustments in writing and update payroll systems immediately to avoid errors. Consistent communication helps ensure the transition is managed smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">To manage requests and updates efficiently, explore our <a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/blog\/leave-management-guide\/\">leave management guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key employment rights that remain during the leave period<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Employees on adoption leave continue to benefit from important employment rights. These ensure that taking time off to care for a child does not negatively affect their long-term position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pay rises<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">If a company-wide pay review or salary increase occurs during an employee\u2019s adoption leave, they are entitled to the same adjustment as if they were still working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Build up (accrue) holiday<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Annual leave continues to accrue throughout adoption leave. This includes both statutory and contractual holiday entitlements. Employers should encourage staff to take their accrued leave before or after adoption leave to avoid large carryovers that may disrupt future planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">To help manage holiday balances and return-to-work planning, visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/resources\/managing-annual-leave-in-the-uk\/\">annual leave management guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is there a difference when employees are adopting versus surrogacy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">While adoption and surrogacy share similar goals, the legal processes differ slightly. Employers should understand how each affects eligibility for statutory leave and pay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A parental order<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">If one intended parent is genetically related to the child, they can apply for a parental order. Once granted, this transfers legal parenthood from the surrogate to the intended parents. With this order, the parent may qualify for Statutory Adoption Leave and Pay, provided other eligibility conditions are met.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">An adoption order<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">If no genetic link exists, intended parents must apply for an adoption order. Once approved, they are treated as adoptive parents under UK law and entitled to the same statutory leave and pay rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Employers should treat surrogacy arrangements with sensitivity and confidentiality, ensuring consistent application of policies across all family types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the employer\u2019s payroll responsibilities?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Employers must manage Statutory Adoption Pay accurately and in line with HMRC requirements. You are responsible for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">\n<li>Recording SAP payments correctly in payroll<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deducting tax and National Insurance contributions as usual<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reclaiming up to 92% of SAP, or 103% for small employers eligible for Small Employers\u2019 Relief<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keeping all related records for at least three years, including payment details and proof of adoption<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Maintaining accurate payroll records helps ensure compliance and reduces the risk of penalties or audit issues. Businesses using integrated HR and payroll platforms can automate calculations, improve accuracy, and reduce administrative workload.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best practice tips for supporting adoptive parents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Supporting adoptive parents goes beyond legal compliance. Thoughtful practices improve employee morale, loyalty, and productivity. Here are key strategies to implement:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Keep policies updated and accessible<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Ensure adoption, parental, and family leave policies reflect the latest UK legislation. Include guidance on notice periods, statutory pay, shared parental leave, and surrogacy. Make policies easily accessible through your HR system so employees can find them without needing to request them from HR. This promotes transparency and reduces misunderstandings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Maintain clear and empathetic communication<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Engage with employees before, during, and after adoption leave. Confirm leave dates, discuss any flexibility they may need, and provide updates on workplace changes while they are away. Regular, empathetic check-ins help employees feel valued and connected to the team, without pressuring them to respond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Offer flexible working options<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Returning to work after adoption can be challenging. Consider flexible arrangements such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">\n<li>Phased returns to work with reduced hours or days initially<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remote working where possible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Temporary part-time schedules until childcare routines are established<br>Flexible options help employees transition smoothly and maintain productivity while managing family responsibilities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Provide practical support<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Practical support reduces stress and shows care for adoptive parents. Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">\n<li>Guidance on childcare resources or local support networks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Internal support groups or mentoring programs with colleagues who have gone through adoption<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Access to wellbeing programs or Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) for counselling and guidance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Train managers effectively<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Line managers play a critical role in supporting employees. Provide training on adoption leave rights, statutory pay, and workplace flexibility. Encourage managers to handle conversations sensitively, respect privacy, and recognise the challenges adoptive parents may face during leave and upon return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Foster an inclusive workplace culture<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Ensure all family types feel supported. Policies and communication should recognise single parents, same-sex couples, and surrogacy arrangements. Inclusive language in documentation, announcements, and HR communications demonstrates that your organisation values all forms of family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Monitor workload and team impact<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">When employees take leave, redistribute tasks fairly to prevent team overload. Consider temporary cover or adjusted deadlines. Regularly review workloads to ensure returning employees are not overwhelmed and can reintegrate without stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8. Encourage post-leave feedback<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">After employees return, ask for feedback on their experience with adoption leave and support. Use this information to refine policies and practices. Listening to employees strengthens engagement and ensures your organisation\u2019s approach remains practical and employee-centred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">By implementing these strategies, employers can create a supportive, inclusive environment that helps adoptive parents balance work and family life while boosting employee engagement and retention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Download the full guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Managing adoption leave correctly is essential to protect your business and your employees. 91±¬ΑΟ\u2019s all-in-one HR platform makes it easier to manage leave, payroll, and compliance while maintaining transparency and consistency across your organisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">91±¬ΑΟ helps employers simplify HR processes from <a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/resources\/automating-leave\/\">automating leave<\/a> to managing payroll and employee wellbeing. By understanding and applying adoption leave regulations effectively, you can build a compliant, inclusive, and supportive workplace for every employee.t, protect your team and create a supportive workplace culture every step of the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-2 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#form\"><strong>Download our Parents at Work guide<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column form-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div id=\"form\" class=\"wp-block-group form-v2-violet-box-shadow-pattern is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-employmentherocom2025-marketo-form-v2 is-layout-flow wp-block-marketo-form-v2-is-layout-flow\">\n                                                            <section class=\"eh_marketo_form-title-section eh_marketo_form-title-section--small\" aria-labelledby=\"marketo-form-title\">\n        <div class=\"eh_marketo_form-title-container\">\n                                        <h2 id=\"marketo-form-title\" class=\"eh_marketo_form-title\">To download the guide, we just need a few quick details.<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n            <\/section>\n                            <div class=\"eh_marketo_form-container_v2\" data-marketo-form=\"{&quot;is_multi_steps&quot;:false,&quot;form_data&quot;:[{&quot;base_url&quot;:&quot;\/\/hr.employmenthero.io&quot;,&quot;munchkin_id&quot;:&quot;387-SZZ-170&quot;,&quot;form_id&quot;:&quot;1737&quot;,&quot;css_classes&quot;:&quot;&quot;}],&quot;submit_text&quot;:&quot;Download now&quot;,&quot;success_handling_method&quot;:&quot;thank_you_page&quot;,&quot;redirect_url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;thank_you_message&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;add_lead_linking_id&quot;:false,&quot;add_drift_campaign_id&quot;:false,&quot;drift_campaign_id&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;thank_you_page_id&quot;:&quot;32313&quot;,&quot;thank_you_page_url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/thank-you\/downloadable\/resources\/?origin=adoption-leave-and-pay&amp;origin_id=h%2FRWNlakUef7iQp7LymNw36F6OHQC2IK80sSDkzg6wlIKilAs0VDsiiWJAafhOybw1KS783M7F%2Fa8KFtSQypqA%3D%3D&quot;,&quot;progress_indicator_type&quot;:&quot;progress-bar&quot;,&quot;enable_revenue_hero&quot;:false,&quot;revenue_hero_router_id&quot;:&quot;4668&quot;,&quot;revenue_hero_thank_you_message&quot;:&quot;Thank you for booking!&quot;}\"><\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-14 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><div \n    class=\"eh-social-sharing-button wp-block-employmentherocom2025-eh-social-sharing-button\" data-icon=\"facebook\" data-social-type=\"facebook\">\n    <span style=\"display: flex;\">\n        <svg class=\"icon\" width=\"24px\" height=\"24px\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"> <title>Group<\/title> <path d=\"M14.4446 6.47609H11.4173V4.40033C11.4173 3.62078 11.9115 3.43904 12.2596 3.43904C12.6068 3.43904 14.3958 3.43904 14.3958 3.43904V0.0120058L11.4537 0C8.18772 0 7.44447 2.55599 7.44447 4.19168V6.47609H5.55566V10.0075H7.44447C7.44447 14.5394 7.44447 20 7.44447 20H11.4173C11.4173 20 11.4173 14.4856 11.4173 10.0075H14.0981L14.4446 6.47609Z\"><\/path><\/svg> \n    <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n<div \n    class=\"eh-social-sharing-button wp-block-employmentherocom2025-eh-social-sharing-button\" data-icon=\"twitter\" data-social-type=\"twitter\">\n    <span style=\"display: flex;\">\n        <svg class=\"icon\" width=\"17\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 17 18\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"> <g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_2187_1527)\"> <path d=\"M6.88269 10.3821L0.554058 18H2.05374L7.54889 11.3855L11.9379 18H17L10.363 7.99774L17 0.00924304H15.5002L9.69721 6.99436L5.06215 0.00924304H-5.51343e-07L6.88306 10.3821H6.88269ZM8.93683 7.90961L9.60929 8.90561L14.9598 16.8309H12.6563L8.33833 10.4349L7.66587 9.43894L2.05303 1.12518H4.35659L8.93683 7.90923V7.90961Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path> <\/g> <defs> <clipPath id=\"clip0_2187_1527\"> <rect width=\"17\" height=\"18\" fill=\"white\" transform=\"matrix(-1 0 0 -1 17 18)\"><\/rect> <\/clipPath> <\/defs> <\/svg> \n    <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n<div \n    class=\"eh-social-sharing-button wp-block-employmentherocom2025-eh-social-sharing-button\" data-icon=\"linkedin\" data-social-type=\"linkedin\">\n    <span style=\"display: flex;\">\n        <svg class=\"icon\" width=\"17px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"0 0 17 16\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"> <title>Shape<\/title> <g id=\"Symbols\" stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"> <g id=\"Icons\/Social\" transform=\"translate(-74.000000, -2.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"> <path d=\"M74.2155762,7.20409322 L77.8588786,7.20409322 L77.8588786,18 L74.2155762,18 L74.2155762,7.20409322 Z M76.0616143,2 C74.8146643,2 74,2.80609002 74,3.86411056 C74,4.90036967 74.7908238,5.72989508 76.0139333,5.72989508 L76.0371667,5.72989508 C77.3079571,5.72989508 78.0993476,4.90032981 78.0993476,3.86411056 C78.0755071,2.80609002 77.3079976,2 76.0616143,2 Z M86.8041976,6.95048874 C84.8702857,6.95048874 84.0038929,7.99790755 83.5205667,8.73245583 L83.5205667,7.20409322 L79.8761714,7.20409322 C79.924419,8.21687707 79.8761714,18 79.8761714,18 L83.5205667,18 L83.5205667,11.9708054 C83.5205667,11.6478911 83.5444071,11.3261725 83.6402952,11.0948476 C83.9041595,10.4502147 84.5037738,9.78266458 85.5095667,9.78266458 C86.8291714,9.78266458 87.3561714,10.773129 87.3561714,12.2237722 L87.3561714,18 L91,18 L91,11.8093881 C91,8.49339883 89.2027762,6.95048874 86.8041976,6.95048874 Z\" id=\"Shape\"><\/path> <\/g> <\/g> <\/svg> \n    <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n<div \n    class=\"eh-social-sharing-button wp-block-employmentherocom2025-eh-social-sharing-button\" data-icon=\"link\" data-social-type=\"copy\">\n    <span style=\"display: flex;\">\n        <svg class=\"icon\" width=\"18\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 19\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path transform=\"translate(6.640285, 0)\" d=\"M9.6365839,1.06427739 L9.6365839,1.06407143 C7.63313006,-0.581342526 4.71799441,-0.287025772 3.06469376,1.72767436 L1.68152847,3.42787366 C1.2637913,3.94153775 1.3305731,4.70585509 1.8305341,5.13486964 C2.33069565,5.56409016 3.0749216,5.4955055 3.49265877,4.98184141 L4.8760246,3.28143615 C5.71089731,2.25863908 7.1949372,2.1243532 8.19104884,2.98176443 C8.20769415,2.99597567 8.22413891,3.01059882 8.24038313,3.02522198 C9.18174573,3.92361924 9.26838157,5.42383144 8.43691815,6.43015171 L5.5610895,9.96627791 L5.53461744,9.99634806 C5.38079871,10.1792405 5.20090901,10.3370058 5.00076417,10.4640831 C4.04676718,11.0718709 2.80719278,10.901748 2.04211006,10.0579301 C1.59709864,9.56877523 0.850065046,9.54303024 0.374169553,10.0002613 C-0.100522665,10.4562566 -0.127195273,11.2205739 0.315008503,11.7099348 C1.3991598,12.9045024 2.99670869,13.4575049 4.56377459,13.1800768 C4.80503134,13.1364133 5.04287882,13.0742134 5.27470991,12.9934771 C6.09434113,12.7094584 6.82152068,12.1980598 7.37542854,11.5155086 L10.2440375,7.98947441 C11.0680808,6.96832503 11.4617524,5.65182909 11.3372134,4.33183184 C11.2235039,3.05137889 10.6100339,1.87267016 9.6365839,1.06427739\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><path transform=\"translate(0, 5.762765)\" d=\"M7.78481199,8.39527139 L6.54864687,9.91484383 C5.73222439,10.9339336 4.27946967,11.1129128 3.25127068,10.3214088 C2.2300908,9.49612727 2.05361038,7.97696676 2.85719793,6.92821874 C2.87083505,6.91050619 2.88447217,6.89299959 2.89851039,6.87569896 L5.82387388,3.27984437 L5.84553284,3.25492322 C5.99915102,3.07203079 6.17924127,2.91447144 6.37938611,2.78739415 C7.23972815,2.23645131 8.34754387,2.31595185 9.12506044,2.98449782 C9.2157072,3.06235067 9.30073868,3.14700021 9.37915214,3.23782854 C9.60657122,3.50207514 9.93486491,3.6513961 10.2784001,3.64665902 C10.6175233,3.64171598 10.9377951,3.48498047 11.155588,3.21764447 L11.1696262,3.20034383 C11.5426416,2.74620216 11.5342187,2.07930388 11.1497722,1.63546021 C9.42768425,-0.367088286 6.45118155,-0.55698335 4.50107292,1.21159465 C4.32298813,1.37306725 4.15713665,1.54813319 4.00472174,1.73555674 L1.08738009,5.32173121 C-0.548874157,7.35084854 -0.312430505,10.3492133 1.62043117,12.0813364 C2.56821124,12.921447 3.80678291,13.3317192 5.05377751,13.2188532 C5.20097822,13.2064956 5.34697566,13.1875473 5.49176982,13.1613904 C6.61362375,12.9593437 7.63039162,12.3585585 8.36398864,11.4636626 L9.59594229,9.94923914 C10.0136795,9.43578101 9.94709821,8.67146367 9.44693666,8.24224316 C8.94677511,7.81302264 8.20254916,7.8816073 7.78481199,8.39527139\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><\/svg> \n    <\/span>\n            <span class=\"eh-social-sharing-button__copied_text\">\n            URL copied for sharing!        <\/span>\n    <\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull eh-single-resource-whitepapers-layout has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-light-violet-50-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div id=\"stop-el\" class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-space-between is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-16 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related Resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-link-arrow is-style-link-arrow--2\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-btn-brand-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"\/resources\/\">View all<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-query blog-3-col-query-loop is-layout-flow wp-block-query-is-layout-flow\"><ul class=\"columns-3 alignfull wp-block-post-template is-layout-grid wp-container-core-post-template-is-layout-1 wp-block-post-template-is-layout-grid\"><li class=\"wp-block-post post-52766 resources type-resources status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry resource-type-guides-and-playbooks\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-neutral-100-border-color has-white-background-color has-background is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-19 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"border-width:1px;min-height:100%\"><figure style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;width:100%;height:100%; padding-bottom:0;padding-top:0;margin-bottom:0;\" class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/resources\/onboarding\/\" target=\"_self\"  style=\"height:100%\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1728\" height=\"1014\" src=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/Onboarding_Thumbnail.webp\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Employer Playbook: What is onboarding?\" style=\"width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/Onboarding_Thumbnail.webp 1728w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/Onboarding_Thumbnail-300x176.webp 300w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/Onboarding_Thumbnail-1024x601.webp 1024w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/Onboarding_Thumbnail-768x451.webp 768w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/Onboarding_Thumbnail-1536x901.webp 1536w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/Onboarding_Thumbnail-864x508.webp 864w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/Onboarding_Thumbnail-440x258.webp 440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1728px) 100vw, 1728px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group blog-3-col-details wp-container-content-3 is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-18 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-17 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><div style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\" class=\"taxonomy-resource-type eh-resource-type wp-block-post-terms\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-post-terms-icon\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" alt=\"icon-blog\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/Blog.png\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/resources\/guides-and-playbooks\/\" rel=\"tag\">Guides and Playbooks<\/a><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/resources\/onboarding\/\" target=\"_self\" >Employer Playbook: What is onboarding?<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt has-text-color has-contrast-2-color has-small-font-size wp-container-content-2\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Real onboarding starts at offer acceptance, spans 90 days and is the #1 source of HR errors. Here&#8217;s how to&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<a style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\"wp-elements-9dfcbcb7662772ecb2d671e8976a6c51 wp-block-read-more has-text-color has-violet-500-color\" href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/resources\/onboarding\/\" target=\"_self\">Read more<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">: Employer Playbook: What is onboarding?<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/resources\/onboarding\/\" target=\"_self\" class=\"group-block-link\"><\/a>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-51732 resources type-resources status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry resource-type-guides-and-playbooks\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-neutral-100-border-color has-white-background-color has-background is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-22 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"border-width:1px;min-height:100%\"><figure style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;width:100%;height:100%; padding-bottom:0;padding-top:0;margin-bottom:0;\" class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/resources\/employment-contracts-uk-2026\/\" target=\"_self\"  style=\"height:100%\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Guide-2-1.webp\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Employment Contracts UK: What Employers Are Legally Required to Include in 2026\" style=\"width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Guide-2-1.webp 1600w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Guide-2-1-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Guide-2-1-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Guide-2-1-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Guide-2-1-1536x864.webp 1536w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Guide-2-1-440x248.webp 440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group blog-3-col-details wp-container-content-6 is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-21 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-20 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><div style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\" class=\"taxonomy-resource-type eh-resource-type wp-block-post-terms\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-post-terms-icon\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" alt=\"icon-blog\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/Blog.png\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/resources\/guides-and-playbooks\/\" rel=\"tag\">Guides and Playbooks<\/a><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/resources\/employment-contracts-uk-2026\/\" target=\"_self\" >Employment Contracts UK: What Employers Are Legally Required to Include in 2026<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt has-text-color has-contrast-2-color has-small-font-size wp-container-content-5\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Employment contracts UK rules are changing under the Employment Rights Act. Find out what to include and update before 2026.&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<a style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\"wp-elements-9dfcbcb7662772ecb2d671e8976a6c51 wp-block-read-more has-text-color has-violet-500-color\" href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/resources\/employment-contracts-uk-2026\/\" target=\"_self\">Read more<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">: Employment Contracts UK: What Employers Are Legally Required to Include in 2026<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/resources\/employment-contracts-uk-2026\/\" target=\"_self\" class=\"group-block-link\"><\/a>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-51681 resources type-resources status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry resource-type-guides-and-playbooks\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-neutral-100-border-color has-white-background-color has-background is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-25 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"border-width:1px;min-height:100%\"><figure style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;width:100%;height:100%; padding-bottom:0;padding-top:0;margin-bottom:0;\" class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/resources\/switching-payroll-providers-uk\/\" target=\"_self\"  style=\"height:100%\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Guide-3-1.webp\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Switching Payroll Providers UK: A Step-by-Step Migration Guide\" style=\"width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Guide-3-1.webp 1600w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Guide-3-1-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Guide-3-1-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Guide-3-1-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Guide-3-1-1536x864.webp 1536w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Guide-3-1-440x248.webp 440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group blog-3-col-details wp-container-content-9 is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-24 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-23 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><div style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\" class=\"taxonomy-resource-type eh-resource-type wp-block-post-terms\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-post-terms-icon\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" alt=\"icon-blog\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/02\/Blog.png\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/resources\/guides-and-playbooks\/\" rel=\"tag\">Guides and Playbooks<\/a><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/resources\/switching-payroll-providers-uk\/\" target=\"_self\" >Switching Payroll Providers UK: A Step-by-Step Migration Guide<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt has-text-color has-contrast-2-color has-small-font-size wp-container-content-8\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Thinking about switching payroll providers? Learn when to switch, what to plan for, common migration mistakes, and what to look&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<a style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\"wp-elements-9dfcbcb7662772ecb2d671e8976a6c51 wp-block-read-more has-text-color has-violet-500-color\" href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/resources\/switching-payroll-providers-uk\/\" target=\"_self\">Read more<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">: Switching Payroll Providers UK: A Step-by-Step Migration Guide<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/resources\/switching-payroll-providers-uk\/\" target=\"_self\" class=\"group-block-link\"><\/a>\n<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how adoption leave and pay work in the UK, including employee eligibility, statutory pay rules, surrogacy cases and employer obligations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":44613,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"_visual_mode":"business","_lite_auth_enabled":false,"_lite_auth_trigger_method":"scroll","_lite_auth_scroll_percent":25,"_lite_auth_click_element_query":"","exclude_from_algolia":false,"reading_time":"7 min read","display_reading_time":false,"registration_open_datetime":"","registration_close_datetime":"","event_start_datetime":"","event_end_datetime":"","time_zone":"","location":"","link_video":"","wistia_video_id":"","video_type":"","file_video":"","download_content_type":"file","download_file":"44489","download_url":"","download_cta_label":"","homepage_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"resource-type":[168],"topic":[91],"learn_topic":[],"industry":[],"search-tags":[],"audience":[],"business-size":[],"product-tag":[],"funnel-stage":[],"region":[],"pain-point":[],"persona":[],"post_features":[],"class_list":["post-44494","resources","type-resources","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","resource-type-guides-and-playbooks","topic-leadership-and-management"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resources\/44494","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resources"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/resources"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resources\/44494\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":44498,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resources\/44494\/revisions\/44498"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/44613"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44494"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"resource-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource-type?post=44494"},{"taxonomy":"topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic?post=44494"},{"taxonomy":"learn_topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/learn_topic?post=44494"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=44494"},{"taxonomy":"search-tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/search-tags?post=44494"},{"taxonomy":"audience","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/audience?post=44494"},{"taxonomy":"business-size","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/business-size?post=44494"},{"taxonomy":"product-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product-tag?post=44494"},{"taxonomy":"funnel-stage","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/funnel-stage?post=44494"},{"taxonomy":"region","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/region?post=44494"},{"taxonomy":"pain-point","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pain-point?post=44494"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=44494"},{"taxonomy":"post_features","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_features?post=44494"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}