One parent may take the full 52 weeks leave. A female employee must provide a medical certificate confirming her pregnancy. If a position cannot be held open and an employee is entitled to challenge this - there is entitlement to six months' preference for employment when leave ends. Jobs must be held open if parental leave is for no more than four weeks. The exception is where the position becomes redundant.
Genuine redundancy is always a legitimate reason for terminating employment.
Female employees are entitled to up to 10 days' unpaid leave for reasons connected with pregnancy, such as doctors' appointments. Female employees may not be dismissed because they are pregnant or because of their health during pregnancy. Dismissal for either reason means an employee can apply directly for temporary reinstatement. This is also the case where any employee is dismissed because of an intention to take parental leave. However, employment can be terminated for good reason, such as misconduct.