UK Statutory Instrument 1999 United Kingdom

Maternity and Parental Leave etc. Regulations 1999

What this means for your business

2 obligations
2 guides
Applies to
United Kingdom
On this page
2 compliance obligations, 2 practical guides
Read full text on legislation.gov.uk

What you must do

2 compliance obligations under this legislation.

Management duties 2

Do not require work during compulsory maternity leave

If a staff member qualifies for ordinary maternity leave, you must give them the compulsory maternity leave period and cannot ask or allow them to work during that time, including the two weeks starting on the day they give birth. Make sure your rostering and payroll reflect this leave.

Employer s.8 HMRC When an employee is entitled to ordinary maternity leave and during the …

Manage maternity leave notifications and required certificates

When an employee is pregnant you must accept her notice of the pregnancy, the expected week of childbirth and the date she wants ordinary maternity leave to start. If you ask, you must also obtain a medical or midwife certificate confirming the expected birth week. Keep these details on record and follow the timing rules set out in the regulations.

Employer s.4 HMRC A pregnant employee intends to take ordinary maternity leave

Practical guidance

Our guides explain how to comply with the requirements above.

Sections and provisions

25 classified provisions from this legislation.

Duties 2

  • s.4 Entitlement to ordinary maternity leave and to additional maternity leave
  • s.8 Compulsory maternity leave

Definitions 2

  • s.2 Interpretation additional adoption leave includes a trade or profession and includes any activity carried on by a body of persons (whether corporate or unincorporated); - “child means the birth of a living child or the birth of a child whether living or dead after 24 weeks of pregnancy; - “collective agreement
  • s.9 Application of terms and conditions during ordinary maternity leave and additional maternity leave

Exemptions 8

  • s.10 Redundancy : pregnancy and maternity leave
  • s.11 Requirement to notify intention to return during a maternity leave period
  • s.13 Entitlement to parental leave
  • s.15 When parental leave may be taken
  • s.18 Right to return after maternity or parental leave
  • s.19 Protection from detriment
  • s.20 Unfair dismissal
  • Work during maternity leave period Work during maternity leave period