What to expect when your employees are expecting: a guide to maternity

An employee tells you they’re pregnant — what’s the first thing you do? Say congratulations, of course! But then what? 

Maternity leave and pay can be a bit overwhelming with all the rules and paperwork, but don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to handle maternity leave smoothly.

In this FREE guide, you’ll learn:

• The latest employment laws for maternity leave
• How to manage maternity leave and pay effectively
• How to handle ante-natal care and the rights of expectant employees
• What to do when an employee plans to return to work
• The ins and outs of statutory maternity pay (SMP)
• How to manage health and safety concerns for pregnant employees 

H2: Key highlights from the guide:

1. Ante-natal care: What you need to know
   Every pregnant employee is entitled to paid time off for ante-natal appointments recommended by a medical professional. This includes things like medical check-ups, relaxation classes, and parentcraft classes. Employees need to provide proof of the appointment, such as an appointment card or certificate from their GP or midwife, and must be paid their normal hourly rate during this time.
2. Maternity leave explained
   Maternity leave is divided into ordinary maternity leave (OML) and additional maternity leave (AML), both lasting 26 weeks. Here’s what you need to know:

• OML can start any time up to the 11th week before the employee’s expected week of childbirth (EWC)
  
• A compulsory maternity leave period (usually two weeks) follows the birth of the baby (four weeks for factory workers)
  
• Employees can take AML after OML, giving them up to 52 weeks of leave

3. Notification by the employee
   Employees must notify you of their pregnancy before or during the 15th week before their EWC. They also need to provide their EWC and confirm when they plan to start their maternity leave. If the employee wants to change the start date, they need to give at least 28 days’ notice.

Why maternity leave management is essential

Maternity leave is a legal requirement, and it’s a key part of supporting your team’s wellbeing. By understanding and managing maternity leave correctly, you’ll:

• Make sure you comply with employment laws
• Support your employee through a crucial life stage
• Protect your business from potential legal issues

Get maternity leave right with Citation

At Citation, we make it easy to navigate the complex world of maternity leave. Our HR and Employment Law experts are here to guide you through every step, from managing notification and pay to handling health and safety concerns. You’ll also get access to our Atlas platform, where you can find helpful resources, including maternity leave templates and guidance.

Ready to handle maternity leave like a pro? Download your free guide today to learn everything you need to know to stay compliant and support your employees.

Download your free guide now

Simply fill in your details below to get your free guide to maternity leave. It’s the perfect resource to help you manage everything from ante-natal care to return-to-work procedures.

Need more help? Get in touch with Citation’s experts

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the ins and outs of maternity leave, don’t worry, we’re here to help. Our HR experts are available 24/7 to provide you with support and guidance.

Call us at 0345 844 1111 or fill out the form to request a callback. Let us help you make maternity leave smooth and stress-free!