Scene 1

Eligibility for maternity leave

• Must be an employee
• Entitlement not dependant on how long with employer

What are my employer’s responsibilities?

• Paid time off for normal antenatal classes
• Pregnancy-friendly working conditions

Can return to old job or similar with same rate of pay

Scene 2:

What are my responsibilities to my employer?

• Give written notice of pregnancy 15 weeks before the start of the week of due date 
• Include form MAT B1 detailing baby’s due date
• Say when I will be starting my maternity leave 

Note: I can always change this date later if I give 28 days notice.

• Get form MAT B1 from your doctor or midwife at the start of 20th week of pregnancy.

Scene 3:

How long do I get?

• Maximum of 52 weeks maternity leave
• 26 weeks ordinary leave + 26 weeks additional leave
• First 2 weeks after the birth are compulsory leave
• I can return to work early if I give 8 weeks notice of returning

Alternative if I return to work early

• I can share up to 26 weeks of my maternity leave with my partner
• I can go back to work and my partner can take over caring for our baby from 20 weeks old
• My partner will get paid any of my remaining statutory maternity pay instead of me

Scene 4:

When can I start maternity leave?

• Any time from 11 weeks before my due date
• The earlier I start, the earlier I return

Scene 5:

What about my annual holiday entitlement?

• Still accrues during leave
• Can be taken in addition to maternity leave
• Can’t be taken during maternity leave 
• Should be either at the beginning or the end

What if I don’t go back to work

• You must tell employer before you are due back
• Normal notice periods apply