Can both parents take time off for dependants?

All employees have the right to time off for dependants from the moment they start employment, and if you are part of a couple or the other parent is active in the care of the child, the time off that is reasonable in the circumstances would take into account the fact that there is another person to share the care.

Normally  only one parent would be expected to have the time off at once, however guidance suggests that where a child is very ill, has an accident or is having a major operation, it can be reasonable for both parents to have reasonable time off.