Applying for statutory leave (maternity, paternity, adoption, parental and sick leave)

What this article is about
This article explains what doctors and dentists in training need to do when applying for statutory leave, including maternity, paternity, adoption, parental and sick leave.

Who this is for
Doctors and dentists in training who need to take statutory leave or report sickness absence during training.

What you need to know

• Statutory leave includes maternity leave, paternity leave, adoption leave, shared parental leave, parental leave and sick leave.
• Your employer is responsible for employment-related leave approval, pay, contracts and HR processes.
• HET must be informed where leave or absence affects your training record, placement, ARCP, revalidation or expected CCT date.
• You may also need to inform your Training Programme Director, educational supervisor, College or Faculty, depending on your programme.
• You should give as much notice as possible, following employer policy and any HET training process requirements.
• If your leave means you will be away from training for a significant period, SuppoRTT may help with planning your return.
• Visa or sponsorship implications may need to be considered if your absence affects pay, work pattern or training dates.
  

What to do

1. Tell your employer as soon as possible and follow their leave or sickness absence process.
2. Tell your Training Programme Director or educational supervisor if the leave or absence affects your training.
3. Raise a query through the PGMDE Support Portal if HET needs to update your training record.
4. Include your full name, professional registration number, specialty, current placement, type of leave and expected start and end dates.
5. Complete any required employer forms, medical certificates or evidence.
6. Complete any HET or programme forms if requested.
7. Consider whether SuppoRTT forms are needed before or during your absence.
8. Keep copies of approvals, correspondence and evidence.

If this does not work
If you are unsure which process applies, contact your employer for employment leave requirements and raise a query through the PGMDE Support Portal for training record or programme queries.

Who to contact
Use the PGMDE Support Portal for HET training record and programme queries. Contact your employer for employment leave, sickness absence, pay, contract, HR and occupational health matters.

What HET can and cannot help with

HET can help with

• Updating training records where leave or absence affects training.
• Advising whether ARCP, CCT date, placement or return-to-training processes may be affected.
• Directing you to SuppoRTT or other training support routes where appropriate.
• Liaising with programme teams where training arrangements may need review.

HET cannot help with

• Approving statutory leave from employment.
• Managing pay, contracts, rota, sick pay or HR processes.
• Providing occupational health, immigration, legal or financial advice.
• Replacing employer sickness absence or family leave procedures.
  

Related articles

• How statutory leave affects your training, rotations and CCT date
• Reporting absence from training and who you must inform
• Returning to training after a period of leave or absence
  

Last reviewed
 Last reviewed: 19 June 2026