Maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption leave and pay: UK employment law

Essential points

• Employees are entitled to up to one year’s maternity leave, regardless of service, salary level or the number of hours they work, provided they notify their employer 15 weeks before their due date that they wish to take maternity leave and when they intend to take it.
• Employees are entitled to statutory maternity pay if they inform their employer of their pregnancy and confirm it with a MATB1 from a doctor or midwife at least 15 weeks before their due date. They may qualify for enhanced maternity leave and pay under the terms of their employment contract. 
• Paternity, adoption and shared parental leave, and pay, is available to employees who meet length of service and income thresholds.
• Pregnant employees, parents on maternity leave, paternity leave and certain periods of shared parental leave have extended redundancy protection rights. 
• Information on pregnancy and maternity discrimination rights can be found on our dedicated law page.

The Labour government has announced that it intends to make it unlawful to dismiss a woman who has had a baby for six months after she comes back to work (with some exceptions). It also intends to make parental leave a day-one right.

This page outlines the current legislation around maternity and parental rights that should still be followed until any changes come into force. We will update this page once details of any changes are confirmed.