Associate Handbook 2018

Disrupted adoption

Adoption leave is disrupted if it has started but;

 Associates are notified that the placement will not take place;

 the child is returned to the adoption agency after placement; or

the child dies after placement.



In the case of disruption, Associates entitlement to adoption leave and pay (if applicable) will continue for a further 8 weeks from the end of the week in which disruption occurred, unless their entitlement to leave and/or pay would have ended earlier in the normal course of events.

Keeping in touch

The Company may make reasonable contact with Associates from time to time during their adoption leave.

Associates may work (including attending training) on up to 10 days during adoption leave without bringing their adoption leave to an end. This is by no means compulsory and arrangements, including any additional pay, would be set by agreement with Associate’s Manager. Shortly before Associates are due to return to work, the Company may invite Associates to have a discussion (whether in person or by telephone) about the arrangements for their return to work. This may include:

 updating Associates on any changes that may have occurred;

discussing any necessary training; and



 discussing any changes to working arrangements (for example, if they have made a request to work part time).

Expected return date

Once Associates have notified the Company in writing of their intended start date Associates will receive a letter within 28 days to inform them of their Expected Return Date. If their start date changes the Company will write to Associates within 28 days of the start of adoption leave with a revised Expected Return Date. The Company expects Associates to return on the Expected Return Date unless they tell the Company otherwise. It is helpful to the Company if Associates confirm during their adoption leave that they will be returning to work as expected.

Returning early

If Associates wish to return to work earlier than the Expected Return Date, they must give the Company at least 8 weeks' notice. It is helpful if they give this notice in writing.