Maternity Leave
This maternity policy sets your statutory rights and responsibilities if you wish to take maternity leave. This policy applies to all pregnant employees, including part-time and temporary workers. Regardless of hours worked or length of service, you are entitled to a period of 26 ordinary maternity leave, provided that certain notification requirements are met (these are outlined in the policy).
To take advantage of ordinary maternity leave you must inform our HR section in writing, using form M1, no later than the end of the 15th week before the week the baby is due:
- that you are pregnant
- the expected week of childbirth - by means of medical certificate MAT B1
- the date you intend to start maternity leave (in writing using form M1) and whether or not you intend to exercise your right to additional maternity leave
Please note that you can change the leave dates, provided you give 28 days notice.
Detailed within this policy
- ordinary maternity leave
- additional maternity leave
- start of maternity leave before the notified date
- maternity pay
- antenatal care
- keeping in touch
- reasonable contact
- transfer of maternity leave
- returning to work
- consecutive periods of maternity leave
- benefits
- continuous service
- health and safety issues
- breastfeeding
Also available
Maternity guidance for teachers