From 6 April 2026, the Employment Rights Act 2025 removes the three-day waiting period for eligibility for SSP. Employers no longer need to consider whether waiting days apply where the employee has intermittent pregnancy-related absence.
The statutory maternity pay rate increased on 5 April 2026. The examples in this guide on payment for keeping-in-touch days have been updated with the new rate.
Updated to reflect that the Maternity Leave, Adoption Leave and Shared Parental Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2024, which extend redundancy protection for pregnant employees and new parents, come into force on 6 April 2024.
Updated to reflect legislation in force from 1 January 2024 confirming that annual leave that cannot be taken due to maternity leave can be carried forward.
Practical guidance on dealing with an employee who is undergoing IVF treatment, including protection from discrimination during fertility treatment and time off for antenatal care.