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Maternity leave and maternity pay
Updated to reflect changes to leave requirements in South Africa and to include additional information on requirements in Brazil, China, Finland, Indonesia, Japan, Jersey, Luxembourg, Philippines and Puerto Rico.
Statutory maternity pay and other family-related statutory pay rates generally increase on the first Sunday in April each year.
Updated with information on the Government’s consultation on the extended protection against dismissal for pregnant employees and those on, or returning from, family-related leave, introduced under the Employment Rights Bill.
Updated to refer to the consultation on enhanced protection from dismissal, published on 23 October 2025.
Updated with information on the Government's review into parental leave and pay.
Updated to reflect the new right for employees to take neonatal care leave and pay for babies born on or after 6 April 2025.
Updated to reflect the increase to the statutory maternity pay rate from 6 April 2025.
HR and legal information and guidance relating to maternity leave and maternity pay.
Access our main resources on maternity leave and maternity pay according to the type of information you need.