Creating a fairer Britain
Take our quick quiz and find out!
Take the quizYou must take two weeks' compulsory maternity leave after the baby is born (or 4 weeks if you work in a factory) but you can then choose to take up to 52 weeks' maternity leave. Your employer must assume you will return at the end of the 52 weeks unless you tell them otherwise and give them 8 weeks' notice.
Yes, but if you want to return sooner than 52 weeks, then you need to give 8 weeks' notice. It's best to tell your employer as soon as possible to make it easier for both of you to plan.
No, an employer cannot postpone your return from maternity leave unless you're trying to come back before 52 weeks' leave without giving them 8 weeks' notice. As long as you've given notice, it would be maternity discrimination to postpone your return.
Yes, maternity leave should make no difference. You should be treated like any other employee (regardless of whether you're on maternity leave) and this includes receiving any contractual sick pay.
If you're treated unfavourably because you were on maternity leave (being told you cannot have any sick pay because you haven't been back to work since maternity leave for example) this would be maternity discrimination.
Yes, you can add your annual leave to the end of your maternity leave with your employer's consent. You still build up annual leave when you are on maternity leave.
You should try and agree with your employer when you will take it - whether it's before you go on maternity leave, at the end of leave or later in the year.
Make sure you're up to speed on your rights and responsibilities by checking our guidance on maternity rights and working mums.
Read the guidance