Maternity, paternity and adoption

Most pregnant employees are entitled to maternity leave and maternity pay, while new fathers are entitled to paternity leave and paternity pay.

Our overview of maternity, paternity, adoption and parental rights, including leave surrounding a birth or adoption, pay and time off for child care.

Frequently asked questions about how to manage pregnant employees in the workplace, and employee rights to maternity leave and pay

Find out about your key responsibilities towards employees who are pregnant or have recently had a baby in this guide from GOV.UK.

Use this calculator to work out how much statutory maternity or paternity pay you’re required to give to an employee on maternity or paternity leave.

Find out about your employee's entitlement to paternity leave, how much you should pay them and their obligations regarding their return to work.

Information on rates of maternity, paternity and adoption pay, how much leave new parents are entitled to and how shared parental leave works

Any employee with at least one year’s service is entitled to take up to 18 weeks’ unpaid leave per child for the purpose of caring for that child.

Shared parental leave gives qualifying new parents and partners the right to share their statutory leave following the birth or adoption of a child.

All employees that are the expectant father or partner of a pregnant woman are entitled to take unpaid time off to attend two antenatal appointments.