Employers should never cut corners when it comes to maternity leave and pay. Getting this wrong could cost your business thousands in claims against you, so Employer Advice are on hand to help. Whether you’re trying to understand maternity leave and pay or you just want a second opinion, call our experts today.
An employee can begin maternity leave 11 weeks prior to the birth (unless the baby is born early) and all employees must take at least 2 weeks after the birth.
Businesses that operate a company maternity scheme may be able to offer more than the statutory amounts of both leave and pay, however, these policies must be clear.
SMP for eligible employees can be paid for up to 39 weeks and is normally broken down as the first 6 weeks at 90% of their average weekly earnings followed by 33 weeks at £172.48 or 90% of their weekly earnings (whichever is lower).
Some employment types like agency workers, directors and educational workers have different rules for entitlement so you need to ensure you know the rules.
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How to Support A Pregnant Employee
If you’ve got pregnant staff who may be looking to arrange maternity leave and pay, or you need assistance understanding employee rights during maternity leave, it’s important to deal with the issue correctly.
- Call us NOW for a FREE 15-minute phone consultation with our experts to to calculate exactly how much you have to pay your employee.
- We can offer a complimentary critique of your current documentation and go through any non compliance.
- (Optional): Book a free follow-up call if you have any further questions.
Common Maternity Questions
Need to Calculate Maternity Pay?
Employer Advice handle over 50,000 calls every year from employers asking us a vast range of questions on all areas of employment law, including maternity advice. Knowing how to support a pregnant employee can be tricky, so our experts can guide you through all aspects.
No matter whether your query relates to maternity pay, maternity leave, maternity risk assessments or anything else related to pregnancy, we cover it.
Check out some of the questions we regularly receive:
- How much is SMP?
- What should I do if my employee isn't entitled to any pay, but is taking maternity leave?
- What forms are used when dealing with SMP?
- How do I know if I'm entitled to small employers' relief for SMP?
- How can I process SMP manually?
- Can my employee work for an occasional day without it affecting her SMP?
- If an employee returns early from maternity leave, can they qualify for SSP?
- Does SMP start early if an employee is off work sick prior to their maternity pay period?
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Maternity leave - Employer obligations
Maternity risk assessments are generally the same as normal risk assessments. The only difference is that this type of risk assessment will take a deeper look at the hazards and safety risks that present themselves to pregnant women.
As an employer, it is important that you understand the law regarding risk assessments for pregnant workers and new mothers. You must, by law, complete a general workplace risk assessment to cover your workers’ specific needs.
You should carry out individual risk assessments when your employee comes and tells you in writing that they are pregnant (normally no later than 15 weeks before the baby is due), have given birth in the last 6 months or is breastfeeding.
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Employer Advice are trusted and award-winning UK employment law specialists. We provide thousands of business owners and directors like you with ACAS code-based advice on maternity pay and a range of HR issues.
We understand the challenges of staying compliant in an ever-changing employment law landscape when you are employing or managing staff. We can assist with all issues, whether simple or complicated and help you avoid costly tribunals.
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Maternity FAQs
Our experts offer expert ACAS code based advice, helping you and your business to navigate the often convoluted world of HR and Employment Law. Take a look at our frequently asked questions on Maternity Leave.
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Who gets maternity leave?
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How long is Maternity Leave?
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Do I have to pay Maternity pay to my employees?
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Can I take back maternity pay if an employee leaves at the end of maternity leave?
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