Time off
If you are expecting a baby and working, you are entitled to take 52 weeks statutory maternity leave, regardless of how long you have worked with your employer, or how many hours you work.
This is broken down into 26 weeks ordinary maternity leave, and 26 weeks additional maternity leave. Your rights may be slightly different during each period of leave.
Your job
At the end of your ordinary maternity leave, you are entitled to return to your original job. At the end of your additional maternity leave, you should still be able to return to your original job, but if this is not reasonably possible, then a job that is a suitable alternative. If a suitable alternative cannot be found then you may be entitled to redundancy pay.
Pay
Employees and some agency workers who have worked for the employer before they became pregnant and who earn enough, may be entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) for a total of 39 weeks.
In addition to this, your employer may also offer their own maternity leave scheme. Check with your Human Resources Department for more information.
Maternity Allowance
If you do not qualify for SMP, you may be able to get Maternity Allowance (MA) which is paid for up to 39 weeks. This is a benefit paid weekly by Job Centre Plus to pregnant women.
Time off for antenatal appointments
All Employees have the right to have paid time off to attend antenatal appointments.
Health & Safety
All pregnant employees who have let their employer know in writing that they are pregnant are entitled to have their job assessed for risks. Where possible, risks should be removed. Where this is not practical, employees have the right to be given alternative work, or as a last option, to be signed off on full pay.
Further information on pregnancy and maternity rights
Direct Gov – Pregnancy and maternity has more information on:
