Rights during statutory maternity, adoption and shared parental leave

During statutory maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (SPL) (or additional paternity leave for babies born or matched before 5 April 2015) the employment contract terms are protected. In particular, if an employee is made redundant while on leave, there is special protection (see page 356 of Chapter 11).

An employee on maternity, adoption or SPL is entitled to all their normal employment rights except remuneration (wages). The contractual right to wages is replaced by a right to statutory maternity, paternity, shared parental pay or adoption pay, or by any enhanced contractual entitlement. Employees are entitled to the benefit of any pay rises and improvements to terms and conditions awarded during the leave period.