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Maternity, paternity and adoption rights
Find out your employment rights on the adoption or birth of a child.
How to use this service
By answering a series of questions you will obtain tailored interactive guidance on your employment rights when a child is born or adopted. You will get a personalised statement of your rights and responsibilities, which you can print out to read later. You will also be able to use an interactive calendar to help plan your leave.
Increase of Statutory Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Pay
From 6 April 2008 the standard rate of Statutory Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Pay was increased to £117.18 per week (previously £112.75), or 90 per cent of average weekly earnings if that is less than £117.18.
To qualify for these payments you must earn at least the lower earnings limit (LEL) for National Insurance contributions. From 6 April 2008 this has increased to £90 (previously £87).
The new rate applies to any payment week starting on or after 6 April 2008.
Maternity rights and responsibilities
The rights a pregnant worker may get include paid time off for antenatal care and up to a year’s maternity leave.
Adoption rights and responsibilities
When a child is adopted, the adopter (or one member of an adopting couple) may be entitled to rights such as paid adoption leave. The partner of the adopter (or other member of the couple) may be able to take paternity leave.
Paternity rights and responsibilities
Rights such as paid paternity leave may be available when a child is born or adopted. For example, the father of a newborn baby may qualify for leave to look after the mother and child. Despite the name, paternity leave can be taken by a man or a woman.
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