Employees have many statutory rights to protect them if they are pregnant, adopting or are the partner of a person who is pregnant or adopting. In most cases they will be entitled to a statutory right to take time off and to recieve either maternity/adoption/paternity pay.

Further information can be found in the following Advice Note or by following links to other useful sites.

Maternity Rights Advice Note (Word)
Maternity Rights Advice Note (PDF)

Where can I get more Maternity information:

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service ( ACAS ).

The Directgov website.

The Health and Safety Executive booklet 'New and Expectant Mothers at Work' offers detailed guidance on assessing health and safety risks. It is a priced publication which you can obtain by contacting HSE on 01787 881165.

Note: Forthcoming Change in 2011

For babies expected to be born on/after 3rd April 2011, mothers will be able to return to work early and that any remaining maternity leave and pay can effectively be "transferred" as additional paternity leave/pay rights to eligible fathers/partners. More information to follow when known.