{"id":10985,"date":"2025-04-02T20:56:23","date_gmt":"2025-04-02T20:56:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/?post_type=resources&#038;p=10985"},"modified":"2026-01-23T13:52:32","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T13:52:32","slug":"how-does-shared-parental-leave-work","status":"publish","type":"resources","link":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/absence-management\/how-does-shared-parental-leave-work\/","title":{"rendered":"Understand how shared parental leave works"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-primary-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b5fc8583 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:25px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7fc3d43a wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8e1436f2 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">\n<p class=\"\">by <strong>Brightmine<\/strong> | Reviewed by<strong> <strong>Laura Merrylees<\/strong><\/strong>, Senior Legal Editor at Brightmine<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The arrival of a new child is a joyous moment, but for many working parents, the burden of meeting both the needs of a new baby or adopted child and fulfilling their workplace obligations can be difficult and stressful. This is especially true during the first year of their child\u2019s arrival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Shared Parental Leave (SPL) is a statutory right that\u2019s designed to alleviate this problem. Created to offer employees greater flexibility, SPL enables working parents to take leave together or separately, promoting a better work-life balance and supporting gender equality in childcare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">SPL is an important law. Employers must ensure they fully understand and meet their legal obligations to <a href=\"\/uk\/solutions\/hr-compliance-solutions\/\">reduce compliance risk<\/a>. Failure to comply with SPL regulations can result in grievances, tribunal claims, and could bring reputational damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Read on to learn more about shared parental leave, how it works and what employees must do to claim it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-shared-parental-leave\">What is shared parental leave?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrcentre.uk.brightmine.com\/employment-law-guide\/shared-parental-leave\/153899\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shared Parental Leave (SPL)<\/a> is a statutory entitlement that allows eligible parents to share up to 50 weeks of leave from work and 37 weeks of pay following the birth or adoption of a child. Introduced to promote greater flexibility for working parents and improve gender equality in caregiving, SPL enables parents to divide childcare responsibilities in a way that suits their needs. Both parents can take leave simultaneously or in alternating blocks, helping them to manage their work and childcare obligations more effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Employees may be able to claim shared parental leave if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">They\u2019re having a baby<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Using a surrogate to have a baby<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Adopting a child<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Fostering a child who they\u2019re planning to adopt<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SPL at a glance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Eligibility<\/strong>: Parents must meet employment and earnings criteria. This means for the mother or primary adopter to access SPL, they must satisfy an individual eligibility test and their partner must satisfy a joint eligibility test. For employees to be eligible to take SPL, the mother or primary adopter must have first returned to work or have curtailed their maternity leave or adoption leave.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Claiming<\/strong>: Each parent claims SPL from their own employer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Leave entitlement<\/strong>: Up to 50 weeks of leave can be shared between parents, taken separately or together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Starting and time limit<\/strong>: Employees can only start shared parental leave or shared parental pay (ShPP) once the child has been born or placed with their family for adoption. All SPL must be taken before the child\u2019s first birthday, or by the first anniversary of the adoption placement date.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Statutory shared parental pay<\/strong>: Up to 37 weeks of pay is available, currently set at \u00a3184.03 per week (or 90% of average weekly earnings if lower). This amount increases to \u00a3187.18 beginning June 4, 2025.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Notice requirements<\/strong>: Parents must provide at least <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acas.org.uk\/shared-parental-leave-and-pay\/taking-shared-parental-leave\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">8 weeks\u2019 notice<\/a> before taking SPL.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Flexible arrangements<\/strong>: SPL can be taken in up to three separate blocks per parent or continuously.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Employer obligations<\/strong>: Employers must handle requests fairly, ensure compliance, and cannot refuse SPL if the employee is eligible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"shared-parental-leave-eligibility\">Who is eligible for shared parental leave?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">To be eligible for SPL, both parents must meet specific criteria:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Employment status<\/strong>: The parent who is taking leave must be an employee (not self-employed).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Maternity\/adoption leave curtailment<\/strong>: The mother or primary adopter must end, or give notice to end, their maternity or adoption leave early to create SPL entitlement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Continuous employment<\/strong>: The parent taking SPL must have worked for the same employer for at least 26 weeks by the end of the 15th week before their baby is due or their adoption match date. They must also still be working for the same employer a week before the start of each block of leave they take.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Earnings threshold<\/strong>: For the 2025\/2026 tax year, the parent must earn at least \u00a3125 per week (before tax) on average.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Partner\u2019s work and earnings<\/strong>: The other parent must also meet a minimum employment and earnings test, even if they are self-employed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Both parents must provide notice and meet these requirements to qualify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-primary-white-color has-alabaster-gray-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-b790821e813c7fa69c4d277568579d42 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ff778368 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-top-right-radius:25px;border-bottom-right-radius:25px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--secondry-orange);border-left-width:5px;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer lnrs-hide-block-on-mobile\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-secondary-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f93e3678ea5659fa622c5008c53bc4f4\" style=\"font-size:clamp(17.905px, 1.119rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 1.383), 28px);\">Explore our entire collection of family-friendly rights and support resources managed by trusted HR experts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-primary-gray-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-dec7e560f1775ea043643196b0e102f9\" style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.548), 18px);\">The Brightmine HR &amp; Compliance Centre helps your organisation stay compliant, profitable and ahead of employment law changes in the UK and beyond.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"sync\" src=\"https:\/\/uat.cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/03\/28101720\/checkmark_80x80.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19783\" style=\"width:35px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-primary-gray-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7b566e0eace1b2cdea6bd7240e698be7\">Understand the wide range of family-friendly rights and support available to employees.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"sync\" src=\"https:\/\/uat.cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/03\/28101720\/checkmark_80x80.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19783\" style=\"width:35px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-primary-gray-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-19079aad48649b276ea58db2704f094f\">Navigate the complexity of shared parental leave and pay with in-depth coverage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"sync\" src=\"https:\/\/uat.cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/03\/28101720\/checkmark_80x80.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19783\" style=\"width:35px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-primary-gray-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9281290d4dbdad6fe9fded6cd3556bfd\">Access customisable model documents, including letters, forms, policies and notices.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"sync\" src=\"https:\/\/uat.cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/03\/28101720\/checkmark_80x80.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19783\" style=\"width:35px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-primary-gray-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8d8fbd377de8aaa55c1a4749f679bb24\">Learn good practices for supporting your employees and their families.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-5b5683f2 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/quote\/\" style=\"border-radius:25px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);\">Request a Quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"weeks-of-shared-parental-leave\">How many weeks of shared parental leave do employees get?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Eligible employees can share up to 50 weeks of shared parental leave, but how much they actually get depends on how much maternity or adoption leave the birth parent or primary adopter has already taken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SPL in practice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The birth parent or primary adopter is entitled to up to 52 weeks of statutory maternity or adoption leave but must take at least 2 weeks leave after birth or adoption. The remaining leave (up to 50 weeks) can be converted into SPL and shared between both parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-alabaster-gray-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-80fb368b wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-bottom-left-radius:25px;border-bottom-right-radius:25px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Example: Converting maternity leave to shared parental leave<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">If a birth parent ends maternity leave after 30 weeks, they or their partner can take up to 22 weeks of SPL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">This entitlement remains the same regardless of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">Having multiple babies (e.g., twins)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Adopting more than one child in the same placement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Calculating shared parental leave entitlement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">An employee\u2019s SPL entitlement is governed by the amount of leave or adoption leave they or their partner have already taken. This impacts how many weeks they can take off and how much shared parental pay (ShPP) they receive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-alabaster-gray-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-80fb368b wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-bottom-left-radius:25px;border-bottom-right-radius:25px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Example: Shared parental leave entitlement<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Employee A takes 20 weeks&#8217; maternity leave. Their partner is entitled to take a maximum of 32 weeks shared parental leave (52-20 = 32).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Their partner may also receive shared parental pay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Note that if Employee A takes their full 39 week Maternity Allowance period, their partner will not be eligible for any ShPP.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"using-shared-parental-leave\">Using shared parental leave<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Using shared parental leave can be straightforward, as long as employees and employers follow the rules governing this benefit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do employees request shared parental leave?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Employees can request SPL and ShPP using their employer\u2019s forms or use templates from other sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The notices that parents need to give are made up of three elements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">A maternity leave curtailment notice (from the mother)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">A notice of entitlement and intention<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">A period of leave notice<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Important note<\/strong>: Employees can change their mind about how much SPL or ShPP they plan to take and when they want to take it. However, they must give notice of any changes at least 8 weeks before the start of any leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does shared parental leave have to be continuous?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">No. Employees can take leave in either continuous or discontinuous blocks, depending on their needs and employer agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Continuous leave<\/strong>: A single, unbroken period of leave (e.g., 12 weeks in a row)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Discontinuous leave<\/strong>: Leave taken in separate blocks with periods of work in between (e.g., 4 weeks off, 4 weeks at work, then another 4 weeks off)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-primary-white-color has-alabaster-gray-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-321fb4b21eaa2c3c66fd6b9b2e88f335 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ff778368 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-top-right-radius:25px;border-bottom-right-radius:25px;border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--secondry-orange);border-left-width:5px;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer lnrs-hide-block-on-mobile\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-secondary-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-170e7d15ec5cc7ceb4be775d63740a83\" style=\"font-size:clamp(17.905px, 1.119rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 1.383), 28px);\">Save time. Download and customise our shared parental leave and pay model documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-primary-gray-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5d20c6456a27b0b12311e52d637cc299\">Access our entire library of customisable model documents in the Brightmine HR &amp; Compliance Centre, which includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"sync\" src=\"https:\/\/uat.cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/03\/28101720\/checkmark_80x80.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19783\" style=\"width:35px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-primary-gray-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-65ad15f0bd27c6117ad8915d8efa3bc3\">Letters explaining shared parental leave<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"sync\" src=\"https:\/\/uat.cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/03\/28101720\/checkmark_80x80.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19783\" style=\"width:35px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-primary-gray-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c0991b914984fa2fe3483879ee8fda9d\">Curtailment of leave forms for birth and adoption<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"sync\" src=\"https:\/\/uat.cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/03\/28101720\/checkmark_80x80.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19783\" style=\"width:35px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-primary-gray-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e741b0529a4de48b37ef52080aa8f54a\">Model notices of entitlement and intention to take shared parental leave<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"sync\" src=\"https:\/\/uat.cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/03\/28101720\/checkmark_80x80.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19783\" style=\"width:35px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-primary-gray-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5d10239e5a86616d2969a36a4cf1b6ef\">Responses to requests to take shared parental leave<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-5b5683f2 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/quote\/\" style=\"border-radius:25px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);\">Request a quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer lnrs-hide-block-on-mobile\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Employees can take up to three separate leave blocks each unless the employer allows more flexibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can an employer refuse shared parental leave?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">An employer cannot refuse a request for shared parental leave if the employee is eligible and has given correct notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">However, how the leave is taken can impact whether an employer can reject a request:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Continuous leave<\/strong>: Employers cannot refuse a request for a single, uninterrupted period of SPL.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Discontinuous leave<\/strong>: Employers can refuse a request for SPL taken in separate blocks (e.g., alternating weeks of work and leave). If refused, the employee can either take the total requested leave as a continuous block or withdraw the request.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"shared-parental-leave-example\">Shared parental leave example<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-alabaster-gray-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-80fb368b wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-bottom-left-radius:25px;border-bottom-right-radius:25px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<p class=\"\">Emma and James are having a baby. Emma is eligible for maternity leave but decides to take only 20 weeks instead of the full 52. This means the remaining 32 weeks of leave can be taken as shared parental leave. Both parents give their employers at least 8 weeks\u2019 notice of their need for SPL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Emma and James decide to split the leave:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">Emma takes the first 20 weeks of maternity leave, then returns to work.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">James takes 12 weeks of SPL immediately after Emma\u2019s maternity leave ends.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Later, Emma takes another 10 weeks of SPL, while James returns to work.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">They still have 10 weeks SPL left, which James takes in two separate blocks before their baby\u2019s first birthday.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">This flexible approach allows both parents to bond with their child while balancing their careers. Because they followed the correct procedures and gave notice, their employers approved the leave, ensuring compliance with SPL regulations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"get-started-with-brightmine\">Get started with Brightmine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Navigating today\u2019s complex and fast-moving HR and compliance landscape can quickly become time consuming for HR teams. With expert guidance, data and insight from Brightmine, you can reduce compliance risk while optimising your total reward strategy. Start your free trial today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column lnrs-hide-block-on-mobile is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--secondary-gray);border-left-width:2px;padding-left:10px;flex-basis:30%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained wp-container-3 is-position-sticky\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-secondary-gray-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-db4c44a6 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:14px;padding-top:10px;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:10px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4b827052 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:5px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400\" class=\"\">In this resource:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#what-is-shared-parental-leave\">What is shared parental leave?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#shared-parental-leave-eligibility\">Who is eligible for shared parental leave?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#weeks-of-shared-parental-leave\">How many weeks of shared parental leave do employees get?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#using-shared-parental-leave\">Using shared parental leave<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#shared-parental-leave-example\">Shared parental leave example<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#get-started-with-brightmine\">Get started with Brightmine<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-bleach-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a36fa716 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:14px;padding-top:10px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Navigate HR complexity with confidence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">With Brightmine, you can build powerful people strategies, implement best practices and set your organisation up for a brighter future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Learn how our tools, resources and automation can empower you and your team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/uk\/solutions\/?intcmp=cta|blog|solutions|learn-more\" style=\"border-radius:25px\">Learn more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group lnrs-hide-block-on-mobile has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ad1af2a0 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-secondary-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-secondary-gray-background-color has-background\" style=\"margin-top:10px;margin-bottom:10px\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Read more articles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-query is-layout-flow wp-block-query-is-layout-flow\"><ul class=\"wp-block-post-template is-layout-flow wp-container-core-post-template-is-layout-ea1fff98 wp-block-post-template-is-layout-flow\"><li class=\"wp-block-post post-16791 resources type-resources status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry category-c-and-i topic-employment-law-updates\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3;text-decoration:underline; margin-top:10px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;\" class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/employment-rights-act-era-changes-implemented-so-far\/\" target=\"_self\" >The ERA era: The changes implemented so far<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-9690 resources type-resources status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry category-c-and-i tag-employment-rights-act topic-employment-law-updates\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3;text-decoration:underline; margin-top:10px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;\" class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/labour-government-employment-law-changes-tracker\/\" target=\"_self\" >Labour Government employment law changes | On your radar<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-15329 resources type-resources status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry category-tools topic-absence-management\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3;text-decoration:underline; margin-top:10px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;\" class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/absence-management\/shared-parental-leave-policy-birth\/\" target=\"_self\" >Shared parental leave policy (birth)<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<p class=\"\"><a href=\"#top\">Go back to the top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-primary-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4b7a3f7f wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:25px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You may also be interested in&#8230;<\/h2>\n\n\n<section id=\"resources-search-filter\" class=\"wp-elements-20abf8378c02f10917e837a256b14c1a wp-block-brightmine-resources-filter has-text-color has-primary-black-color has-background has-primary-white-background-color\">\n\n\n<div class=\"ajax-filter\">\n<div class=\"lnrs-resources-search-filter  editor-posts-filtered-topics \">\n\t\t<div class=\"search_terms_bottom\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"bottom_left\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"search_terms_result_count\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"bottom_right\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"loader-container\">\n\t\t<span class=\"loader\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-filter-widget__container\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource\" style=\"background-color: #E9E7E4\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/absence-management\/managing-sickness-absence\/\"><div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource_image\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/16174236\/feature-hybrid-employee-calling-in-sick-1200x627px.webp);\"><\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__inner_content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"content-top\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category\">Commentary and Insights<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"title\" style=\"color: #00728B\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/absence-management\/managing-sickness-absence\/\">Managing sickness absence: Tools HR professionals rely on<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"color: #000000\">Managing sickness absence relies on more than return\u2011to\u2011work meetings alone. Drawing on insights from HR professionals, this article &#8230;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource\" style=\"background-color: #E9E7E4\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/absence-management\/shared-parental-leave-policy-birth\/\"><div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource_image\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/02\/25152950\/family-leaving-house-with-luggage-at-front-door.webp);\"><\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__inner_content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"content-top\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category\">Tools &amp; templates<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"title\" style=\"color: #00728B\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/absence-management\/shared-parental-leave-policy-birth\/\">Shared parental leave policy (birth)<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"color: #000000\">A model shared parental leave policy setting out employees\u2019 rights to shared parental leave and pay following the &#8230;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource\" style=\"background-color: #E9E7E4\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/absence-management\/rest-breaks-and-rest-periods\/\"><div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource_image\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/03\/03111425\/creative-team-having-discussion-around-wooden-table.webp);\"><\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__inner_content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"content-top\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category\">Employment law guide<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"title\" style=\"color: #00728B\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/absence-management\/rest-breaks-and-rest-periods\/\">Rest breaks and rest periods<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"color: #000000\">A guide to workers\u2019 statutory rights to rest breaks and rest periods under the Working Time Regulations 1998, &#8230;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-primary-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-fcdab8bb wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:25px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:clamp(17.905px, 1.119rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 1.383), 28px);\">About the author<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-658170e2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border is-style-rounded\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"128\" height=\"128\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/03\/12085308\/Brightmine_Favicon_128px.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-313\" style=\"border-radius:25px;object-fit:cover;width:100px;height:100px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Brightmine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">With more than 10,000 customers, Brightmine is a leading global provider of people data, analytics and insight \u2013 empowering HR leaders to deliver brighter business outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">For more than two decades, Brightmine, formerly XpertHR, has continued to help HR leaders confidently navigate the evolving world of work through our unique combination of critical workforce data, AI-enabled technology, and trusted HR expertise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Brightmine is a division of LexisNexis Data Services within RELX\u00ae, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools. RELX serves customers in 180+ countries with 35,000+ employees. Ticker: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-primary-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ad14550bb07010b79fc22eb0ca4e129e\">Follow Brightmine on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/brightmine\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-primary-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-bbb7e64f wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\">Start your free trial today<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\">Register today to gain free 7-day access to the Brightmine HR &amp; Compliance Centre and stay up to date, compliant and save valuable time<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-primary-white-color has-secondary-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/hrcentre.uk.brightmine.com\/freetrial-login\/?loggedInUrl=%2Ffreetrial%2Fnew-user%2F&amp;registrationUrl=%2Ffreetrial%2Fnew-user%2F&amp;intcmp=hrcc-resources|cta-2-col|light|banner|hrcentreuk-freetrial|take-a-free-trial\" style=\"border-radius:100px\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Take a free trial<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Shared parental leave (SPL) helps employees balance their work lives with their new family responsibilities. Learn more about SPL, how it works and what employees must do to claim it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":10986,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"wp-custom-template-new-resources","categories":[12],"tags":[],"topic":[30],"class_list":["post-10985","resources","type-resources","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides-how-to","topic-absence-management"],"_lnrs_read_more":"","yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Understand how shared parental leave works | Brightmine<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"How does shared parental leave work? 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