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Maternity leave policy

This model policy sets out employees’ rights to maternity leave and pay, including time off for antenatal care, eligibility and notice requirements. It helps employers manage maternity leave consistently and in line with statutory requirements.

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By Claire Birkinshaw and Zeba Sayed, Brightmine Senior Legal Editor

Use this model policy to set out the rights of employees who are pregnant or have recently given birth, including time off for antenatal appointments and entitlement to maternity leave and pay.

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  • Policy wording
  • How to use this document
  • Supporting guidance for this document
    • Key resources
    • Notes
  • Future developments

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Latest updates

The sections in this policy on Notice to take maternity leave and Maternity pay have been updated to reflect that employers should accept a copy of the MAT B1 from 1 April 2026 and do not have to be shown the original. Providing medical evidence of the expected week of childbirth via this form is an important step for a pregnant employee who wishes to be paid SMP during their maternity leave.

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About the author

Claire Birkinshaw

Claire Birkinshaw has worked at two of the top 10 London law firms, as a legal adviser to the Ministry of Defence, and as a legal information manager with Abbey Legal Protection.

About the author

Zeba Sayed, Senior legal editor at Brightmine

Zeba Sayed
Senior Legal Editor, Brightmine

Zeba is a former practicing employment solicitor with more than 17 years’ experience in employment law.

Zeba joined Brightmine in 2017 and is a senior legal editor in the employment law and compliance team. In this role, she is responsible for content across Policies and procedures, Letters and forms and Contract clauses. She is also responsible for ensuring that allocated chapters of the employment law guide are kept updated. She has a special interest in the implications of AI in the employment field.

Zeba holds a degree in Law and completed her LPC at the College of Law in Chester. Prior to joining Brightmine, Zeba was an associate solicitor at Lyons Davidson Solicitors in the London office. She advised both individuals and employers on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious employment law matters and delivered training to clients nationally. Zeba has also worked in conjunction with Acas London to deliver training on their behalf. She is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association.

Connect with Zeba on LinkedIn.

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