We have added a new employee-friendly version of this policy alongside the existing standard version. The employee-friendly version uses a more employee-focused tone and style, allowing employers to choose the version that best reflects their culture and communication preferences.
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 confirm that enhanced redundancy protections will apply for employees taking, or returning, from bereaved partner's paternity leave. HR teams should ensure that their redundancy policies and processes reflect this additional protection.