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Maternity leave and maternity pay
The proposed 2026-27 rates for statutory maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and sick pay have now been published by the government.
Updated to include the proposed rate of statutory maternity pay for 2026/2027.
Updated to include the new rates, applicable from 5 April 2026.
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.
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 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.