Maternity Leave Calculator
Work out key maternity leave dates, notification deadlines, and Statutory Maternity Pay entitlement. Designed for UK employers managing maternity leave for their staff.
Calculate Maternity Dates & Pay
Used to calculate SMP entitlement. Leave blank if unknown.
Used to check the 26-week qualifying period for SMP. Leave blank if unknown.
Understanding Statutory Maternity Pay
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is paid by employers to eligible employees for up to 39 weeks. It is made up of two rates: 90% of average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, followed by the lower of £187.18 per week or 90% of average weekly earnings for the remaining 33 weeks.
To qualify, an employee must have at least 26 weeks of continuous service by the 15th week before the Expected Week of Childbirth (the qualifying week), and must earn at least £125.00 per week on average during the relevant 8-week period. They must also provide the correct notice and evidence of pregnancy (usually a MATB1 certificate).
Key Things Employers Need to Know
- Keeping in Touch (KIT) days: An employee can work up to 10 KIT days during maternity leave without ending their leave or SMP. Both parties must agree to any KIT days.
- Right to return: If the employee returns within 26 weeks (Ordinary Maternity Leave), they are entitled to return to the same job. If they take Additional Maternity Leave (weeks 27–52), they have the right to return to the same job or a similar role on no less favourable terms.
- Holiday accrual: Employees continue to accrue statutory holiday entitlement throughout the full 52 weeks of maternity leave, including bank holidays. This often catches employers off guard, so plan for it.
- Redundancy protection: Employees on maternity leave have special protection during redundancy. If their role is at risk, they must be offered a suitable alternative vacancy (if one exists) in preference to other employees.
- SMP recovery: Most small employers can recover 103% of SMP paid out through the Small Employers' Relief scheme. Otherwise, the standard recovery rate is 92%.
What If the Employee Doesn't Qualify for SMP?
If an employee does not meet the qualifying conditions for SMP, you must issue them with form SMP1 within 7 days of making the decision. This form explains why SMP is not payable and allows the employee to apply for Maternity Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Maternity Allowance is paid for up to 39 weeks and is currently the lower of £187.18 per week or 90% of average weekly earnings. It is available to women who have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before the due date.
Need Help Managing Maternity Leave?
From notification to return-to-work, our CIPD-qualified HR consultants can guide you through every step of the maternity process. Get peace of mind and stay compliant.
Get in TouchThis calculator is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Maternity entitlements depend on individual circumstances, length of service, earnings and contractual terms. Rebox HR accepts no liability for decisions made based on these results. For advice specific to your situation, please contact us.