The birth of a baby and pregnancy are both exciting times in a person’s life. This important time is not without stress. While expecting mothers are forced to stop work, their bills suddenly increase.
The maternity leave pay is a great way to help bridge this gap. How much is your maternity pay? This blog is for anyone who wants to know what they can expect in terms of maternity leave pay or for employers responsible for calculating maternity pay.
Who is eligible for Statutory Mother’s Pay?
For a woman to qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, she must have worked at least 26 consecutive weeks before the “Qualifying Week.” The qualifying week is 15 weeks prior to the due date of the baby. To be eligible for SMP, you must have worked at your current job for at least 41 consecutive weeks.
How to calculate Maternity leave pay
For the first six weeks of your maternity, you will receive 90% of your weekly average earnings. Then, for 33 more weeks, you will be paid 90% of your weekly average earnings or the applicable statutory rates, which vary each year. The lowest rate will be used.
The average weekly income will be calculated based on the eight weeks preceding the qualifying week. You will not be eligible for SMP if your earnings fall below the lower-earning limit. However, you may still be eligible to claim Maternity Allowance.
When do you need to give notice for Maternity leave?
Your employer must be notified of your intention to go on maternity leave 15 weeks prior to the due date. You will need to give your employer the MAT B1 certificate for SMP during this meeting. You will inform your employer at this time of the date you wish to begin maternity leave.
When can you start your maternity leave?
From week 29, you can begin your maternity pay. You might also be eligible to start shared parenting leave at week 34, but not everyone will qualify for this.
You can decide when you go on maternity leave whether you want to take a longer leave period before the birth of your child or more time to spend with your baby.
If you miss work due to a pregnancy-related issue, your employer may begin your paid maternity leave. It is also valid if you miss work for any reason during the four weeks before your due date.
If you haven’t already quit working, you must start your paid maternity leave the day after giving birth. Even if your baby is delivered early, you can still create your maternity leave and receive pay the day after.
What else can you expect from your Maternity leave?
Employees in the UK are protected against discrimination and have several rights. Here are your rights besides maternity pay and leave.
Employees have the right to be offered an alternative job or to return to their original position.
Maternity leave can last up to 52 weeks for pregnant employees.
Thirty-nine of these weeks can be paid with statutory maternity leave, maternity allowance, or contractual maternity payment.
Prenatal care must be given reasonable time off.
No discrimination is allowed for pregnancy-related reasons.
Do you need to track Maternity leave?
We can help you keep track of maternity leaves if you’re an employer or HR expert. Natural HR allows you to track a variety of absences, including maternity leave.