Am I entitled to maternity leave?
Yes, all pregnant employees are entitled to maternity leave which can last 52 weeks in total. (You must however inform us by week 25 of your pregnancy)
You may also be entitled to Shared Parental Leave instead of maternity leave and Statutory Maternity Pay – this enables parents to share the maternity leave and maternity pay in a much more flexible way. See the Shared Parental Leave Policy for more details.
It is a legal requirement that you take at least two weeks following the birth of your child as leave from work.
How much will I get paid?
The amount you will receive will depend on your length of service. For details around this please take a look at the Maternity Policy.
In order to receive Statutory Maternity Pay you must meet the following criteria:
- You must have 26 weeks’ continuous service by the 15th week before the expected week of the birth and
- Your pay over the previous 8 weeks must be greater that the lower earnings limit and
- You must have informed People and Culture of the date on which you wish to start your maternity leave and therefore receive Statutory Maternity Pay.
This is a helpful tool to estimate your pay - Maternity Pay Calculator
If you do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay you will usually qualify for Maternity Allowance, the amount depends on your eligibility. Go to Maternity Allowance for more information
When I find out I am pregnant, what do I need to do?
You must inform us in writing by week 25 of pregnancy (15 weeks before the birth) that you are pregnant, your expected week of birth and your intended date to start maternity leave. You must provide us with a copy (electronically) of your MatB1 form (this is usually given to you by a midwife at 20 week scan). This should be uploaded onto the staff database. Your line manager will have a discussion with you regarding if you intend to return to work.
Can I change the start date of my maternity leave?
Yes, you must give four weeks notice of the change of date.
If your baby is born prior to the intended start date, then your maternity leave will automatically start the day following the day of the birth.
Can I take time off for ante-natal appointments?
Yes, you may be asked to show your line manager your appointment card (or equivalent)
What if I have pregnancy-related sickness?
This is treated as ‘normal’ sickness and our usual sickness policy applies.
The exception to this is if the sickness is maternity-related then maternity leave can automatically start on the first day after the start of the 4th week before the expected week of birth, regardless of the planned start date of maternity leave.
What are KIT days?
KIT days (Keeping in Touch Days) enable you to work in order to ‘keep in touch’. The days must be agreed by your line manager. You can use up to 10 days during your maternity leave, individually or as a block. You are paid ‘on-top’ of SMP for these days and for a whole day, regardless of hours worked.
Will I come back to the same job?
Yes, you will return on the same terms as you had previously unless there is a sound operational reason when a similar job with terms that are no less favourable will be given.
On my return to work, can I change my working hours / days?
You must make your request in writing (as stated in the flexible working arrangements policy)
Can I change my return date?
Yes, you must give 8 weeks written notice
What about Annual Leave?
Your annual leave entitlement will accrue for the full period of your leave. If the annual leave year is due to end whilst you are on leave, you should plan to use your annual leave before starting your leave. You could end your maternity leave early and transfer onto paid leave in order to use up your entitlement. You are entitled to carry over four weeks (pro-rated) leave. Where you cannot use it in the correct holiday year, please speak with your line manager.
For more information please refer to our Maternity Policy - Maternity Policy Link