What You're Owed on Maternity Leave
Summary
- You get up to 52 weeks statutory maternity leave regardless of length of service.
- Statutory maternity pay may be supplemented by enhanced (contractual) maternity of your employer offers it.
- Pregnancy discrimination is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010. It's sometimes disguised as restructuring, redundancy or performance management issues.
- Grapple AI catches unfair treatment early and builds your case automatically.
The 52 Weeks You're Entitled To
Every pregnant employee gets up to 52 weeks maternity leave by law. This applies from day one of employment with no qualifying period needed. The first 26 weeks count as Ordinary Maternity Leave where your job stays exactly the same. The next 26 weeks are Additional Maternity Leave where you return to the same role, or, if not reasonably practicable, a suitable alternative on no less favourable terms. You must give 15 weeks notice before your due date You can change your return date with at least 8 weeks notice. Your employer cannot pressure you to return early or make you feel guilty for taking your full entitlement. Maternity leave starts when you choose, as early as 11 weeks before the expected week of childbirth. If your baby arrives early, your leave starts automatically the day after birth.
Maternity Pay, KIT Days and Holiday
Statutory Maternity Pay is paid for up to 39 weeks if you meet eligibility requirements (including at least 26 weeks’ continuous employment by the qualifying week and minimum average earnings or £129 a week). You get 90% of average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then £194.32 weekly or 90% of earnings if lower. Many employers offer enhanced maternity pay on top of statutory minimums. Check your contract carefully as some require you to return for a set period or repay enhanced amounts. You can work up to 10 Keeping In Touch days during maternity leave without losing pay or ending your leave early. Your employer cannot force KIT days but many find them helpful for major changes or training. Holiday entitlement continues building throughout your entire maternity leave period. You can take unused holiday before returning or add it to extend your time off.
What Our Clients Say
Spotting Pregnancy Discrimination Early
Pregnancy discrimination often hides behind restructures, performance reviews or cost cutting exercises. Employers know direct discrimination is illegal so they get creative with timing and excuses. Watch for sudden concerns about your performance after announcing pregnancy. Question any role changes, team moves or project removals that coincidentally happen after your news. Redundancy while pregnant requires exceptional justification and proper process. Your employer must prove the decision was genuinely unrelated to your pregnancy and offer suitable alternative roles first. Document everything from the moment you announce your pregnancy. Save emails, note conversations and keep records of any changed treatment or attitudes from managers.
How Grapple AI Protects Mums at Work
Grapple AI monitors your situation continuously and spots discrimination patterns that humans miss. Our system learns from thousands of pregnancy discrimination cases to identify early warning signs. Upload your employment documents and workplace communications for instant analysis. Grapple AI builds your case file automatically, organizing evidence and identifying legal issues as they develop. Get real time alerts when your employer crosses legal lines or takes actions that strengthen your position. Our AI tracks deadlines, calculates compensation and prepares tribunal documentation without human lawyer delays. Grapple AI levels the playing field against employers with expensive legal teams. You get the same quality legal protection powered by artificial intelligence that works 24/7 on your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Can I Take Off For Maternity Leave?
You get 52 weeks statutory maternity leave from day one of employment. This includes 26 weeks Ordinary Maternity Leave plus 26 weeks Additional Maternity Leave.
What Maternity Pay Am I Entitled To?
Statutory Maternity Pay lasts 39 weeks: 90% of weekly earnings for 6 weeks, then £194.32 weekly. Many employers offer enhanced pay on top of statutory minimums.
Can My Employer Change My Role While I'm Off?
Your job is protected during Ordinary Maternity Leave and must remain exactly the same. During Additional Maternity Leave, you return to the same role or suitable alternative if necessary.
Do I Still Build Up Holiday On Maternity Leave?
Yes, you continue accruing annual leave throughout your entire maternity leave period. You can take unused holiday before returning or add it to your maternity leave.
A Success Story
After years of strong performance, 'Jane' was placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), while on sick leave for a health condition.
With no prior warning, she felt cornered and unsure where to turn.
The process was being used as a fast-track exit strategy, to get rid of her without a fair settlement agreement offer.
Struggling with health, caring for an elderly relative, and fearing the financial fallout of losing her job, Jane turned to Grapple Law for help.
She took swift, decisive action, sending detailed legal letters to her employer and preparing for her formal meetings.
Within weeks, Jane secured a settlement of around £30,000, and paid a modest success fee to Grapple Law.
