Shared Parental Leave planner
Shared Parental Leave lets a birth parent end maternity leave early and share what is left of the 52 weeks of leave and 39 weeks of statutory pay with the other parent, including taking time off together. BabyData works out the SPL leave pool (52 minus the maternity weeks taken) and the shared pay pool (39 minus the maternity pay weeks taken) so you can plan the split. Both parents must meet gov.uk continuity and earnings tests and give proper notice. This is a planning estimate of the statutory minimum, so check eligibility and the current ShPP rate on gov.uk.
Plan your shared leave
The leave and pay pools left to share, from the maternity leave already taken.
How this is worked out
A birth parent is entitled to up to 52 weeks of leave and up to 39 weeks of statutory pay. Shared Parental Leave lets the birth parent end maternity leave early and turn what is left into leave and pay the two parents can share, including taking it at the same time:
SPL pool = 52 − weeks of maternity leave taken
Shared pay pool = 39 − weeks of maternity pay taken
To qualify, both parents must meet gov.uk continuity-of-employment and earnings tests, and you must give your employers proper notice. SPL must usually be used within the first year. This tool shows the pools that are left to share; how you split them between you is up to you.
A planning estimate of the statutory minimum, not advice. ShPP is paid at the lower of the statutory flat rate or 90% of earnings, and tax and National Insurance are deducted. Check eligibility, notice rules and your contract on gov.uk and with your employer.
Names and Family Data Desk, BabyData
BabyData's editorial desk builds and documents the tools, citing the underlying rule and the official UK dataset behind every number. Pregnancy-related tools are editorially reviewed against NHS and gov.uk guidance before publication.
Last reviewed: 12 June 2026