Maternity leave law

[Dutchie77]

Hello there!

Last year I moved to the UK and found a permanent job at a very nice company. I love my job. Me and my husband are trying for a baby, but I have no idea what the rules and regulations are concerning maternity leave and when I would return back to work in a part-time position.

My contract says I have the right on maternity leave. How many weeks is maternity leave exactly? In my old country you get 16 weeks ML and most employers take you back in a part-time position. Because I don't know how this is regulated in British law, I am scared that I will lose my job after ML. That would be devastating to me. I want to work, be independent, contribute to the economy and be respected.

So, could someone please explain to me what the most common procedure is, during and after maternity leave?

Thank you very much!

I think you have the right to 12 months maternity leave (not all of it paid/maternity allowance) you have the right to return to your original job and the right to apply for a flexible work request.

Google on UK maternity rights and I'm sure you'll find it easily.

Here's a useful link to the direct.gov website explaining maternity leave.

You have the right to return to your previous job. You have the right to request flexible working on your return, and your employer must consider it fully. You also have additional protections against redundancy during maternity leave.

ML is maximum 12 months. Some employers pay the statutory amount - 6 weeks at 90% pay, 33 weeks at roughly £124 pw, rest unpaid - some will top this up to be moro generous but make these extra payments conditional on your retuning to work for a specific period and even on the same hours. Your role has be available for you to return to , or you can be offered an equivalent on same terms, grade and pay. You then have to apply to be considered for a reduction in hours and this can be turned down.

Thank you for the link and the information. You are quick!!