Maternity leave in the United Kingdom provides important rights and benefits for eligible employees who are expecting a baby. Here's what you need to know about maternity leave in the UK:
Eligibility: To be eligible for maternity leave in the UK, you must be an employee and have worked for the same employer continuously for at least 26 weeks by the end of the 15th week before your expected due date. You also need to provide the correct notice to your employer.
Length of Leave: Eligible employees are entitled to up to 52 weeks of maternity leave. It is divided into two parts: a. Ordinary Maternity Leave: The first 26 weeks of leave are known as ordinary maternity leave (OML). It is available to all employees, regardless of how long they have been employed. b. Additional Maternity Leave: The following 26 weeks are called additional maternity leave (AML). To be eligible for AML, you need to have worked for the same employer for at least 26 weeks by the end of the 15th week before your expected due date.
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP): During your maternity leave, you may be eligible to receive Statutory Maternity Pay if you meet certain criteria. SMP is paid for up to 39 weeks. For the first six weeks, you will receive 90% of your average weekly earnings before tax. For the remaining 33 weeks, you'll receive either £151.97 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower).
Notice Period: To qualify for maternity leave, you must provide your employer with written notice at least 15 weeks before the expected week of childbirth. It should include your expected due date, the date you intend to start your maternity leave, and if you wish to change your return date.
Employment Rights: While on maternity leave, your employment rights, such as the right to accrue annual leave and the right to contractual benefits, continue. You are also protected from unfair treatment or dismissal due to your pregnancy or maternity leave.
Keeping in Touch (KIT) Days: During your maternity leave, you can work for up to 10 days without it affecting your entitlement to maternity pay or leave. These are known as Keeping in Touch (KIT) days and are entirely optional.
Shared Parental Leave: In the UK, eligible parents can share leave and pay following the birth or adoption of a child. Shared Parental Leave allows parents to split up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay.
It's important to note that employment law and regulations may change over time, so it's advisable to consult the official government websites or seek professional advice for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding maternity leave in the UK.
Maternity Leave UK, Maternity leave rights
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