NHS maternity leave and experience levels?

[Breadcakes]

Wasn't quite sure where to post this but hope chat is OK. I work for the NHS (on Agenda for Change) and have been looking into mat leave policy, and wanted to check I'm right about something.

I've worked for the NHS for 3 years. At 5 years of service I get a decent bump in salary as per AFC benchmarking. If I was to go on mat leave later this year for a year, would that pause my experience accrual? So instead of getting an experience pay rise in 2026, I would instead skip a year and wouldn't be eligible until 2027? (Assuming I'll still have my job then!)

No it wouldn’t skip a year, because you’re still employed whilst off on mat leave.

Yip as above you will still be in service (just on leave) so it won't be delayed, you will also still accrue annual leave while off.

As above, you still move forward in your pay progression. I don't think it's reflected in pay if you are on mat leave as the pay is calculated between weeks 20 - 25 of pregnancy or something, but your pay progression increment isn't delayed.

Thanks @Emma2803 @LashesZ @OneMoreTime23 That's really helpful. Just trying to get my head around everything!