If you’re expecting a baby, the 1st April 2007 made maternity pay and leave even better for you.
As a basic package, if you work for an employer (you need to check that you are classed as an employee and not a worker, as there are some differences in entitlement between the two) you are entitled to 39 weeks maternity pay – no matter how long you have worked for them – and can also take a year?s annual leave (made up of ordinary maternity leave and additional maternity leave).
These entitlements are just what the law says you must have, but many employers give more benefits to their staff on top of this, so check your staff handbook, intranet or speak to your HR department to see what else they offer.
As a general rule, all working expectant women are entitled to:
- A health and safety risk assessment
- Protection under sex discrimination laws, which basically means that you can’t be treated unfairly because you are pregnant (i.e. disciplined, dismissed, or even sacked).
- Paid time off to attend antenatal classes (this covers antenatal appointments with your midwife or GP, Parentcraft classes and relaxation classes)
- Statutory maternity pay or maternity allowance (conditions apply to this), which will be paid for the full 39 weeks.