Check maternity leave/pay
1 tasks in suggested order
1. Check Statutory Maternity Leave and Pay separately and give the required notice
If applicable: If you are employed in Great Britain and are planning maternity leave or Statutory Maternity Pay.
In Great Britain, Statutory Maternity Leave can be up to 52 weeks. Leave and Statutory Maternity Pay have different eligibility rules: leave notice is normally at least 15 weeks before the due date, while SMP normally needs at least 28 days’ notice plus proof of pregnancy.
Tell your employer at least 15 weeks before the due date about the pregnancy, due date and intended maternity-leave start. Give at least 28 days’ notice for the intended SMP start where possible.
Your employer and the current GOV.UK maternity leave/pay guidance.
Expected week of childbirth, intended leave/pay start dates and MATB1 or doctor/midwife proof for SMP. Proof is not required merely to take maternity leave.
Leave and pay are separate. Statutory Maternity Leave must include at least 2 weeks after the birth (4 weeks for factory workers); different Northern Ireland employment guidance applies there.
Official source: GOV.UK
