Statutory rights to pay while on leave

Statutory Maternity Pay

To qualify for statutory maternity pay (SMP), a woman must:

• have worked for the employer for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before the baby is due;

• in the eight weeks (or two months if monthly paid) preceding the 15th week, have had average earnings of at least £112 a week (2015-16);

• by the 15th week before the baby is due, have given the employer medical evidence of the pregnancy and told them when she intends to stop work and start claiming SMP; and

• have stopped working.