The sections in this policy on Notice to take maternity leave and Maternity pay have been updated to reflect that employers should accept a copy of the MAT B1 from 1 April 2026 and do not have to be shown the original. Providing medical evidence of the expected week of childbirth via this form is an important step for a pregnant employee who wishes to be paid SMP during their maternity leave.
A model policy to set out employees' entitlement to paternity leave where the expected week of childbirth is on or after 5 April 2026, or the child is born on or after 6 April 2026 (even if the expected week of childbirth was before 5 April 2026).
A model policy where you wish to give the same enhanced leave and pay rights to qualifying employees who are new parents, regardless of their gender. This policy also covers the right to time off for antenatal appointments.