Maternity leave and pay

Introduction

Guide

This guide will help you comply with the laws on statutory maternity leave and pay.

All pregnant employees are:

  • entitled to take 52 weeks' statutory maternity leave (SML) around the birth of their child
  • protected from suffering detriment or dismissal for taking SML
  • entitled to benefit from their existing terms and conditions, except those relating to wages or salary, during SML