Once upon a time it was possible for women in a relationship to be concerned only with the full-time job requirements of running a home and raising children. Society and sometimes pure economics today play into this mix and dictate that most pregnant mums have to work. Of course, much attention is paid to the pending arrival, but you do need to focus on your rights, as well.
1. You have a maximum of 52 weeks of maternity leave available. This entitlement is paid to you, regardless of whether you work on a full or a part-time basis, or how long you’ve worked for a particular employer.
2. This maternity leave will be subdivided into two categories and will affect the amount of money that you receive from your employer accordingly.
3. Ordinary maternity leave lasts for 26 weeks. During this time you will be entitled to all your contractual rights, including your ability to earn paid holidays and perks such as a company vehicle. In other words, you are treated exactly as if you are still working, except for the payment you receive.
4. After the first 26, the following 13 weeks are known as “additional maternity leave,” but your contractual rights only apply in certain areas. Specifically, the notice remains the same, redundancy pay availability is not changed and the standard grievance and disciplinary issues remain in force.
5. Statutory rights are effective throughout the entire period of maternity leave, including the potential for another 13 weeks of leave, which is unpaid. Fundamentally, you may not be passed over in favour of another employee and may not be discriminated against, even in the event of redundancy.
6. If you have 26 weeks of continuous service at the end of the 15th week before baby is due, you will qualify for what is known as Statutory Maternity Pay, or SMP. This allowance is calculated and determined by reference to a period of eight weeks, up to and including the 15th week before baby comes along. Your before tax earnings doing this period must have been at least ?87. If you do not so qualify, you may be entitled to receive Maternity Allowance.
7. While you may work right up until your baby is born – and it’s entirely up to you to decide, fundamentally, as you’re able to begin your maternity leave as soon as 11 weeks before baby is expected. Your leave starts and your pay starts on the day you start your maternity leave.
8. You don’t have to let your employer know that you’re pregnant from a legal obligation, up until 15 weeks before the baby is actually expected.
9. As a pregnant mother, you are entitled to free National Health Service, dental treatment and prescriptions as well.
10. Bear in mind that it could be very much in your best interests to let your employer know that you are pregnant as early as possible, as you may then be entitled to reasonable amounts of time, with pay, for visits to the doctor. In these circumstances, you may not be expected to handle certain substances, or to be involved in some tasks such as heavy lifting, in order to protect the unborn child.
There are so many things to think about when preparing to live life as an expectant mother, and you should certainly consider professional coaching to help you prepare. Everyone knows that coaching for women is widely accepted and beneficial these days and online life coaching is available for every phase of your ever-changing lifestyle!
It’s important to note that this article is only intended as a general guide for women who are getting ready for maternity leave in the UK. It’s important to keep in mind that maternity legislation can – and does, change quite frequently. With the available information at the time, the author has written this article accordingly. It is not intended to replace your own research.
Amanda Alexander is Director of Coaching Mums and a highly acclaimed ICF-accredited coach who delivers professional coaching programmes to working mums who yearn for success, balance and fulfilment. Are you a juggling mom? Download our free eBook for working moms that will give you 5 simple and instant ways to balance your life right now!
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