Shared Parental Leave Pay Calculator
How to Use This Calculator
Statutory ShPL pay is the lower of £187.18/week or 90% of average weekly earnings.
Between you, you can share up to 50 weeks of leave (mother must keep minimum 2 weeks).
View what each parent receives and the total household ShPL income.
ShPL can be taken in separate blocks, alternating between parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shared Parental Leave?
Shared Parental Leave (ShPL) lets parents split up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of statutory pay in the first year after birth or adoption. It must be used within 52 weeks of birth.
How much is Statutory Shared Parental Pay?
In 2025/26, Statutory Shared Parental Pay (ShPP) is £187.18 per week, or 90% of average weekly earnings if lower. This matches Statutory Maternity Pay rates (except the first 6 weeks).
Who is eligible for ShPL?
Both parents must: be employed, have 26+ weeks' continuous employment, earn at least £123/week average. The mother/birthing parent must be entitled to maternity or adoption leave.
Can we take leave at the same time?
Yes — both parents can be on ShPL simultaneously, effectively doubling the household leave coverage. However, the combined weeks still cannot exceed 50.
Does my employer have to enhance ShPP?
No — only statutory pay is required by law. However, many employers offer enhanced shared parental pay (often matching enhanced maternity pay terms). Check your employment contract.
How do we notify our employers?
Both parents must give at least 8 weeks' notice of each ShPL block. You must submit a 'notice of curtailment' to end the mother's maternity leave, and a 'period of leave notice' for each ShPL block.
Can leave be taken in blocks?
Yes — ShPL can be taken discontinuously (multiple separate blocks) with employer agreement, or continuously. You can submit up to 3 notices of discontinuous leave per parent.
What if one parent isn't eligible?
If one parent can't take ShPL (e.g., self-employed, not enough service), the other parent may still be eligible if the mother/adoptive parent meets the requirements and curtails their maternity leave.