Please notify your manager, and or Human Resources at least 28 days before you intend to commence maternity leave, and at least 15 weeks before the expected date of childbirth. You must complete and return the Maternity Application form to HR at the earliest opportunity (Annex 1 in Maternity Policy)

• The expected date of the baby’s birth and your intended maternity leave start date
• Your MATB1 certificate from your GP or midwife indicating the expected date of childbirth
• Confirmation of whether you intend to return to work for at least 3 months following your maternity leave

You will receive a letter from HR which will address employment related issues, detail your specific entitlements to leave and pay, and will also include a copy of the Maternity Policy. You will also be contacted by Health and Safety who will carry out a risk assessment on your work station and work role.

You are required to take a 2 week compulsory leave period, immediately after childbirth

Either:

• The date started on your application for Maternity Leave
• Immediately after childbirth
• Any pregnancy related absence after the beginning of the 4th week before the expected week of childbirth

Following your compulsory 2 week period, you can return at any time, but you must provide HR with at least 8 weeks’ notice in writing of your expected return to work date.

Providing the Statutory Maternity Pay criteria is satisfied, you will be entitled to the following payments:

• 6 weeks at 90% of average earnings
• 33 weeks at SMP or 90% of average weekly earnings if this is less than the current SMP flat rate

Pregnant employees can submit Paid Special Leave requests for ante-natal care appointments. You will be required to produce your appointment card to your manager. We ask that wherever possible, the appointment should be made for either the start or the end of the working day, or a non-working day for part-time employees.