Living Abroad

UK Maternity Pay and Leave: What You Are Entitled To

2 min read

In this guide
  1. Quick answer
  2. How long is leave and when does it start?
  3. What is protected while you are away?
  4. Pay at a glance
  5. Common mistakes
  6. FAQ
    1. Can I claim Child Benefit after the birth?
  7. Key takeaways
  8. Related guides
  9. Sources

If you are expecting a baby while working in the UK, UK maternity pay and leave rules decide how long you can stay off work and how much you are paid. This guide summarises the main rules published on GOV.UK.

Quick answer

  • Statutory Maternity Leave is 52 weeks: 26 weeks of Ordinary leave then 26 weeks of Additional leave.
  • Statutory Maternity Pay is paid for up to 39 weeks.
  • You get 90% of your average weekly earnings before tax for the first 6 weeks.
  • You must take 2 weeks after the birth (4 weeks if you work in a factory).

How long is leave and when does it start?

You do not have to take all 52 weeks. Usually the earliest your leave can start is 11 weeks before the expected week of childbirth. Leave also starts the day after the birth if the baby comes early, and automatically if you are off with a pregnancy-related illness in the 4 weeks before the due week.

If you want to change your return date, give your employer at least 8 weeks’ notice.

What is protected while you are away?

Your employment rights continue during Statutory Maternity Leave, including pay rises, holiday accrual and the right to return to work.

Pay at a glance

Period Pay
First 6 weeks 90% of average weekly earnings before tax
Remaining weeks, up to 39 in total A set weekly amount or 90% of earnings if lower; check the current figure on GOV.UK

Common mistakes

  • Assuming you must take the full 52 weeks.
  • Missing the 8 weeks’ notice to change a return date.
  • Not checking Shared Parental Leave as an alternative.

FAQ

Can I claim Child Benefit after the birth?

Yes, once the birth is registered you may be able to claim. See UK Child Benefit for newcomers and how to register a birth.

Key takeaways

  • Plan dates with the maternity planner on GOV.UK.
  • Take the compulsory 2 weeks.
  • Tell your employer in good time.

Last updated: October 2026. General information, not legal advice. Confirm current rates on GOV.UK.

Sources

  • GOV.UK: Maternity pay and leave

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