Maternity Leave

Employers will automatically assume that you are taking your full 52 weeks maternity leave entitlement unless you tell them otherwise. This is made up of OML and AML

 

What is OML – Ordinary Maternity Leave?

The first 26 weeks of your maternity leave is called your OML and can be commenced 11 weeks before your baby is due.

 

What is AML – Additional Maternity Leave?

This is additional leave which you will be entitled to take after your OML as long as you have worked for your employer for over 26 weeks, over six months.

 

What happens if my baby is early?

If your baby is early your maternity payments will begin the day after it has been born

 

What is the earliest I can stop working?

You can commence your OML 11 weeks before the baby is due, if you have any holiday entitlement due which spans over one years holiday entitlement to the next you can always use up that first.

 

Do I accrue holiday pay while I am on maternity leave?

You do accrue all holiday entitlements and if your baby is due over two holiday periods dates i.e you can’t carry your holiday over to the next year make sure you take the holiday prior to beginning your maternity leave.

 

Can I claim Statutory Sick Pay if I am ill whilst on maternity leave?

You are not allowed to claim SSP for the 39 weeks of payment of SMP or MA

For more information you can contact:

HM Revenue & Customs helpline – 0845 302 1479.

 

Can I work while on Maternity Leave?

You can work up to ten “Keeping in Touch days” KIT during your maternity leave where you will be paid. This wage payment will not affect your SMP

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