Maternity, Paternity & Parental Leave

Welcoming a new child into your family is an exciting life event. UK employment law provides strong support for new and expectant parents, allowing you to take time off work while receiving statutory pay. Here is a clear guide to maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental entitlements.

Statutory Maternity Leave and Pay

Female employees are entitled to up to 52 weeks of Statutory Maternity Leave (26 weeks Ordinary + 26 weeks Additional) regardless of how long they have worked for their employer. Taking 2 weeks of leave immediately after birth (4 weeks for factory workers) is mandatory.

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is paid for up to 39 weeks:

• First 6 weeks: Paid at 90% of your average weekly earnings (before tax)
• Next 33 weeks: Paid at £194.32 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower

Paternity Leave and Pay

Eligible fathers and partners can take up to 2 weeks of Paternity Leave. This leave can be taken as two consecutive weeks or two separate one-week blocks within 52 weeks of the child's birth or placement. Statutory Paternity Pay is paid at £194.32 per week or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.

Shared Parental Leave (SPL) and Pay

Parents can choose to share up to 50 weeks of leave and up to 37 weeks of statutory pay during the child's first year. This allows parents to take leave at the same time or alternate periods of leave to care for their child.

Unpaid Parental Leave

Employees with at least 1 year of continuous service can take up to 18 weeks of unpaid parental leave per child up to the child's 18th birthday. This is capped at 4 weeks per year for each child, unless otherwise agreed with your employer.

Antenatal Rights and Protection from Discrimination

Pregnant employees have a legal right to paid time off for antenatal care. Partners are entitled to unpaid time off for up to 2 antenatal appointments.

It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against, demote, or dismiss an employee because of pregnancy, childbirth, or taking parental leave. You also have the legal right to return to your job or an equivalent role after taking leave.

To calculate your pay or learn more, visit GOV.UK's maternity pay and leave guide or read Citizens Advice parental rights guide.