Maternity Pay & Work Rights – What You Need to Know When You’re Pregna

Maternity Pay & Work Rights – What You Need to Know When You’re Pregnant

If you're pregnant and working, you might be wondering: How will I afford maternity leave? How much will I get paid? Can my boss fire me for being pregnant? Good news: you have rights! Here’s what you need to know about maternity pay, benefits, and job protections when you’re expecting.

1. How Much Maternity Pay Will I Get?

In the UK, there are two types of required maternity pay:

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) – If You’re Employed

If you’ve been working for at least 26 weeks with the same employer before your 15th week of pregnancy, you’re entitled to:
✅ 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks
✅ £172.48 per week (or 90% of your earnings if lower) for the next 33 weeks

You’ll need to apply through your employer by submitting your MATB1 form, which your midwife will provide around 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Maternity Allowance – If You’re Self-Employed or Don’t Qualify for SMP

If you don’t qualify for SMP (for example, if you’re self-employed or haven’t worked for your employer long enough), you may be eligible for:
✅ £172.48 per week for 39 weeks
✅ OR a lower amount if you’ve earned less than £30 a week

You can apply online at www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance.

Enhanced Maternity Pay – Does Your Employer Offer More?

Some employers offer enhanced maternity pay, which can be more generous than SMP. This could include full pay for a set number of weeks or a higher percentage of your salary for longer. Check your contract or speak to HR to find out if your company offers this.

2. Your Rights at Work When Pregnant

As a pregnant employee, you have legal rights to protect your job and well-being at work. Your employer must:

✅ Give you time off for antenatal appointments – You’re entitled to paid time off for scans, midwife visits, and other necessary check-ups.
✅ Support your right to maternity leave and pay – You shouldn’t be asked to take unpaid leave instead.
✅ Ensure your job is secure – It’s against the law to be dismissed because of pregnancy.

If you ever feel unfairly treated or discriminated against, ACAS offers free employment advice. You can visit www.acas.org.uk for guidance.

3. Other Benefits You May Be Entitled To

✅ Universal Credit – If your income drops while on maternity leave, you may qualify for extra support.
✅ Sure Start Maternity Grant – A one-off £500 payment if you’re on a low income and receiving certain benefits. Apply within 11 weeks before or 6 months after birth at gov.uk.
✅ Tax-Free Childcare – If you plan to return to work, you can claim up to £2,000 per year per child.

Check what you’re entitled to with a benefits calculator:

Turn2Us – www.turn2us.org.uk
EntitledTo – www.entitledto.co.uk

Maternity leave should be about bonding with your baby, not worrying about money. Make sure you claim everything you’re entitled to and know your rights at work! What to do next: