A Guide to Maternity and Paternity Leave in the UK

Navigating the landscape of parental leave in the UK can be complex, but it’s essential for both employees and employers to understand the rights and processes involved. This guide provides an overview of maternity and paternity leave, including the duration, required documentation, and the process of requesting leave. We’ll also cover the financial aspects, such as salary payments provided by the UK government.

Maternity leave in the UK

Maternity leave is a crucial component of employee benefits in the UK, designed to protect the health of both the mother and the child while allowing the mother to recover and bond with her newborn.

Length of maternity leave

The UK government mandates up to 52 weeks of maternity leave for employees, split into two parts:

• Ordinary maternity leave (26 weeks): This period begins up to 11 weeks before the baby’s due date. The employee is entitled to this period of leave regardless of how long they’ve been with the company or their level of earnings. It offers crucial time for the mother to prepare for the arrival of the child and recover afterward.
• Additional maternity leave (another 26 weeks): Employees can choose to take an additional 26 weeks of leave immediately following the ordinary maternity leave. This allows for more time to bond with the newborn and adjust to life as a parent.

It’s worth noting that while employees are entitled to 52 weeks of leave, only the first 39 weeks are covered by Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), leaving the last 13 weeks unpaid.

Requesting maternity leave

The process for requesting maternity leave in the UK is straightforward but requires timely action:

• Written notice to employer: The employee must inform their employer at least 15 weeks before the due date of their pregnancy. This includes providing the expected week of childbirth and the intended start date of maternity leave.
• MATB1 certificate: This is a medical certificate from a doctor or midwife confirming the pregnancy and expected due date. The employee will need to submit this to their employer as part of the maternity leave process.

Employees have the right to return to the same job (if they take 26 weeks or less) or a similar role (if they take more than 26 weeks).

Salary during maternity leave

During maternity leave, employees are eligible for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) for up to 39 weeks. For the first six weeks, they receive 90% of their average weekly earnings (AWE). For the remaining 33 weeks, they are entitled to either £172.48 per week (as of 2024, £184.03 in 2025) or 90% of their AWE, whichever is lower. Additionally, some employers may offer enhanced maternity pay as part of their own company policies, providing a higher level of financial support beyond the statutory amount.

Paternity leave in the UK

Paternity leave in the UK recognizes the essential role fathers or partners play in the early stages of a child’s life. It allows them to support the mother and bond with their newborn, providing the family with crucial time together.

Length of paternity leave

Fathers or partners are entitled to up to 2 weeks of statutory paternity leave, which must be taken in one block, either immediately after the child’s birth or within 56 days of the birth. The exact duration depends on the father’s or partner’s preference, but the leave must be taken in one go (either 1 or 2 weeks).

Additionally, parents in the UK can take advantage of Shared Parental Leave (SPL), allowing the mother to transfer part of her leave entitlement to the father or partner, giving both parents flexibility to share up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay between them.

Requesting paternity leave

The process for requesting paternity leave requires careful planning:

• Written notice to employer: The father or partner must inform their employer at least 15 weeks before the baby’s due date. The notice should include the intended start date of the paternity leave and the duration (1 or 2 weeks).
• Self-certification form: A Paternity Leave form (SC3) must be filled out and submitted to the employer, confirming the expected due date and the intended dates for the paternity leave.

Salary during paternity leave

During paternity leave, fathers or partners are entitled to Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP), which is provided at the same rate as Statutory Maternity Pay. This means they receive either £172.48 (, £184.03 in 2025) per week or 90% of their average weekly earnings, whichever is lower, for up to two weeks. In addition, some employers may offer enhanced paternity pay depending on company policies, which can supplement the statutory amount.

Shared Parental Leave (SPL) and pay

Shared Parental Leave allows both parents to share up to 50 weeks of leave and up to 37 weeks of pay. This option provides more flexibility, enabling both parents to take leave in blocks or simultaneously. Parents can take SPL at any time during the child’s first year, as long as the mother ends her maternity leave early.

To be eligible for SPL, employees must meet certain conditions, such as having worked continuously for the same employer for at least 26 weeks by the end of the 15th week before the due date.

Navigating maternity and paternity leave in the UK with expert guidance

Ensuring a smooth transition during maternity and paternity leave is crucial for both employees and employers. Understanding the legal intricacies and managing the required documentation can make all the difference in creating a supportive and compliant workplace environment. By staying informed and adhering to UK labour laws, employers can foster a positive atmosphere that benefits everyone involved.

For businesses navigating these complex processes, having expert guidance is key to ensuring compliance and support for employees. If you have questions about maternity, paternity, or shared parental leave in the UK, our team is here to assist.