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STARTING A FAMILY

Having a baby - employment considerations:

• Present law in the UK allows every employed woman to take 26 weeks' ordinary maternity leave regardless of length of service. Employees who have completed 26 weeks’ continuous employment by the beginning of the 14 th week of childbirth are entitled to additional leave, which begins at the end of ordinary maternity leave.

• If you have worked for the same company for at least 26 weeks (by the end of the 15th week before your baby is due), and your average weekly earnings in the eight weeks up to and including the qualifying week have been at least equal to the lower earnings limit for National Insurance contributions, you are also eligible for statutory maternity pay (SMP). This is 90% of your average weekly earnings for 6 weeks, and then the lesser of 90% of your average weekly earnings or £100 for the remaining 20 weeks.

• If you do not qualify for maternity pay (you may be self employed or only started your job recently) you may be able to claim a weekly maternity allowance. The maternity allowance is paid for 26 weeks - but only for the weeks you don't work.

• All pregnant employees are entitled to at least 26 weeks’ ordinary maternity leave. This applies regardless of length of service. The contract of employment continues during ordinary maternity leave.

• Employees who have completed 26 weeks’ continuous employment by the beginning of the 14 th week before the expected week of childbirth are entitled to 26 weeks’ additional maternity leave.

• Don't forget you may be entitled to an income tax rebate depending on where your maternity leave falls in the tax year.

• Some employers offer their employees higher levels of pay than the statutory figures given above - some will also pay their employees for longer periods of time. Some employers also offer incentives for mothers to return to work.

REMEMBER You should not use any information contained on this page as the basis of any action until you have discussed matters with your financial adviser.