Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987, ss 31, 40, 41
Usually, yes. When you are on leave, your employer generally has to keep your job open for you until you come back to work. Your workplace can hire a temporary replacement but this person must be told their position is only temporary.
In some situations your employer may be able to permanently replace you, for example, if your position is the key job in the organisation.
If your job can’t be kept open during the time you’re on parental leave, your employer must give you preference for re-employment after your parental leave ends. This means you get the first chance at a similar job if it comes up.