Statutory Maternity Payment Rates

This page provides clear definitions of key terms related to maternity leave, pay, and benefits. It is designed to help you better understand the terminology used throughout our website.

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) -
Statutory Maternity Leave (SML) The leave of up to 52 weeks eligible employees can take from work for childbirth.
Ordinary Maternity Leave The first 26 weeks of Statutory Maternity Leave.
Additional Maternity Leave The last 26 weeks of Statutory Maternity Leave after ‘Ordinary Maternity Leave’.
Continuous Employment Start Date The date an employee started working for their employee without any breaks in service.
Expected Week of Childbirth (EWC) The week of the baby's due date, beginning on Sunday.
MATB1 Form The proof of pregnancy an employee provides their employer, obtained from their midwife.
Keeping In Touch Days (KIT) The 10 optional days an employee can work during their maternity leave.
Qualifying Week (QW) The 15th week before the expected week of childbirth.

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