Statutory Maternity Pay and Leave: employer guide

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Notice period

Notice does not have to be in writing unless you request it.

Statutory Maternity Leave

At least 15 weeks before the baby is expected, your employees must tell you the date that:

  • the baby is due
  • they want to start their maternity leave - they can change this with 28 days’ notice

You must then confirm their leave start and end dates in writing within 28 days.

Employees can change their return to work date if they give 8 weeks’ notice.

You cannot refuse maternity leave or change the amount of leave your employees want to take.

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)

Your employees must give you 28 days’ notice of the date they want to start their SMP. This is usually the same date they want to start their leave.

You can refuse to pay SMP if your employee does not give you this notice and they do not give you a reasonable excuse.

  1. Step 1 Decide what type of employee you need

  2. and Check you can afford to take on employees

  3. Step 2 Make your workplace safe and accessible for employees

  4. Step 3 Register as an employer and set up PAYE

    You need to register with HMRC so you can pay tax and national insurance for your employees.

    1. Register as an employer and set up PAYE
    2. Choose how to run payroll
    3. If you decide to run payroll yourself, choose payroll software
  5. Step 4 Check your responsibilities around workplace pensions

  6. Step 5 Get Employers' Liability insurance

  7. Step 6 Recruit and employ staff