How soon after being issued a form MAT B1 can a pregnant woman commence maternity leave?
In the UK, it’s clearly defined that pregnant employees are entitled to up to 52 weeks maternity leave (comprising 26 weeks of ‘Ordinary Maternity Leave’ and 26 weeks of ‘Additional Maternity Leave’), 39 weeks of which you may be eligible for Statutory Maternity Pay. However, there is little legal or medical guidance as to when someone should start their maternity leave. What does the law say? Legally the employee has to notify their employer 15 weeks before their baby is due when you would like to start your maternity leave. It is possible for the employee to change their mind so there is a little flexibility however, they will have to give at least 28 days notice of any change they decide to make. The earliest that maternity leave should start is as soon as 11 weeks before the babys expected due date, however the employee is entitled to paid time off for antenatal appointments and classes recommended by their midwife or doctor before this.
