SMP

[ChampagneTastes]

Possibly an idiotic question but is everykne entitled to SMP regardless of their employment status? If someone quit their job before maternity leave, would they be any worse off than someone who didn't return to their job after maternity leave?

No you have to qualify for maternity pay and be there for the qualifying weeks. Maternity leave can start from 29 weeks of pregnancy.

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)
Employees must:

• be on your payroll in the ‘qualifying week’ - the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth
• give you the correct notice
• give you proof they’re pregnant
• have worked for you continuously for at least 26 weeks up to the qualifying week
• earn at least £112 a week (gross) in an 8-week ‘relevant period’

Thanks Demented, that's really helpful. If one were self-employed / freelance, what happens then?

They would apply for Maternity Allowance I think

www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/eligibility