As from 6th April 2003, employees have new rights on Matenity and Paternity leave.

From 6 April 2003, all pregnant employees are entitled to 26 weeks maternity leave. This period of leave is known as ordinary maternity leave (OML), and you are entitled to take it regardless of how long you have worked for your employer or how many hours you work or how much you are paid, provided that you give your employer the proper notice.

You may also be entitled to further time as additional maternity leave (AML).
The "extra" period of 29 weeks of unpaid maternity leave to which you are entitled on top of the 26 weeks of paid "ordinary" maternity leave if you have been continuously employed by the same employer for at least one year.

Paternity Leave
New fathers, partners of new mothers, and partners of adopting parents can now take two weeks' paid paternity leave.

Adoption Rights
Working adoptive parents can claim up to 26 weeks' paid, and 26 weeks' unpaid adoption leave.