Maternity and paternity leave

If you work, you must tell your employer about your pregnancy at least 15 weeks before the beginning of the week your baby is due.  

Regardless of how long you’ve been employed, expectant mums who work are entitled to paid time off to attend antenatal check-ups, relaxation classes and parent craft classes. 

Some employers let dads have paid time off for this too, so check with your employer. 

Maternity leave 

All expectant mums are entitled to up to one year’s maternity leave, providing you’ve worked for your employer for 26 weeks or more. If you've worked for your employer for less than 26 weeks you’ll still be entitled to the leave but there’s no guarantee that you’ll be paid. 

Find out more from the Gov.UK or Checking your rights websites.

The earliest you can start your leave is 11 weeks before your expected due date, but remember – the earlier you start your leave, the earlier you’ll need to return. More time off before the baby is born means less time off with baby when they arrive. 

As long as you have a contract and let your employer know at least 15 weeks before your baby is due you’ll be entitled to maternity leave. You can take up to 52 weeks off work. You don’t have to take the whole 52 weeks, but must take a minimum of two weeks off once your baby is born. 

Find out more from the Gov.UK website.

Statutory maternity pay (SMP) 

SMP is money paid to you whilst you’re on maternity leave. Only certain employees will be entitled to SMP. To qualify you must earn an average of £112 per week and have worked for your current employer for at least 41 weeks before your baby is due. If you’re not eligible for SMP, you may be able to claim maternity allowance.  

With SMP you'll get: 

  • 90% of your average weekly earnings (AWE) before tax for the first six weeks 

  • £139.58 or 90% of your AWE (whichever is lower) for the next 33 weeks 

  • The last 13 weeks of your leave are unpaid 

Speak to your employer – the above amounts are the minimum you’ll receive if you’re entitled to SMP. These payments are still subject to national insurance and tax deductions. Find out more from the Gov.UK website, or you can use the Gov.UK pay calculator. 

Paternity leave and shared parental leave 

Paternity leave enables dads to spend time with their partner and new baby. 

Leave can’t start before the baby is born, but you don’t have to start it immediately when the baby arrives. The only restrictions are that you must take it all in one go, and you must have used it within 56 days after the baby is born. 

To qualify you must have a contract and have worked for your employer for at least 41 weeks before the baby is due. You'll receive one or two weeks off, which you must take in one go. 

On top of this, you’re entitled to time off to attend a minimum of two antenatal appointments with your partner. 

Paternity pay 

Pay is available to eligible working dads during their paternity leave. To qualify you must: 

  • Have worked for your employer for at least 41 weeks before the baby is due 

  • Still be employed when your baby is born 

  • Earn at least £112 per week (before tax) 

The statutory weekly rate is £139.58, or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower). 

Speak to your employer – the above amounts are the minimum you’ll receive if you’re entitled to paternity pay. Some employers top this up. These payments are still subject to national insurance and tax deductions. 

Find out more from the Gov.UK website. 

Shared parental leave and pay 

An arrangement introduced in 2015 enables parents to split the leave and pay available when baby is born. 

It means dad can take up to 26 weeks leave, depending on how much unused maternity leave and pay mum has. 

If dad is entitled to paternity leave and pay and mum is entitled to statutory maternity pay, you can consider this option. The amounts available are the same as paternity pay (see above). 

Find out more from the Gov.UK website.