Understanding your entitlements for holiday pay and other benefits during maternity leave can make a big difference in your time off. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from accruing holiday pay to managing bank holidays, additional maternity benefits, and tips for returning to work.
Jump to:
- Holiday Entitlement While on Maternity Leave
- Bank Holidays During Maternity Leave
- Accrued Holiday Pay and Using It to Extend Leave
- Holiday Pay If You’re Not Returning to Work
- Understanding Maternity and Holiday Pay Calculation
- Returning to Work After Maternity Leave: Flexible Options
- Keeping in Touch Days (KIT Days)
- Other Benefits During Maternity Leave
- Conclusion
Holiday Entitlement While on Maternity Leave
While on maternity leave in the UK, your statutory holiday entitlement continues to accrue. This includes both ordinary and additional maternity leave, so even if you’re away from work for the full year, your annual leave days continue to accumulate as if you were actively working. This helps you return to work with a balance of leave days, which can ease the transition back.
At ivee, we recognise that not all professionals can adhere to the typical 9-to-5 schedule. That’s why our platform offers tailored job listings that prioritise flexibility, enabling members to find opportunities that best fit their unique needs.
Read more about the types and options of flexible working below:
Bank Holidays During Maternity Leave
Some employers include bank holidays within your overall holiday entitlement, while others add them separately. During maternity leave, if bank holidays are counted separately in your contract, you may be entitled to receive additional days off or pay in lieu for these. Confirming your specific entitlements with HR can help you plan effectively.
Accrued Holiday Pay and Using It to Extend Leave
Throughout your maternity leave, annual leave continues to accrue. Many employees choose to take these accrued days either before starting maternity leave or immediately after, which can effectively extend paid time off. This can be especially useful if you need extra days to settle back into your routine or spend more time with your newborn.
Holiday Pay If You’re Not Returning to Work
If you decide not to return to work after maternity leave, you’re still entitled to payment for any accrued but unused holiday. This ensures you receive compensation for the holiday you earned, even if you choose a new path after maternity leave. Confirm with HR how this process works to avoid any misunderstandings.
Understanding Maternity and Holiday Pay Calculation
Calculating holiday and maternity pay can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here’s a quick overview:
Maternity Pay:
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is typically paid for up to 39 weeks—first at 90% of your average weekly earnings for six weeks, followed by a statutory rate for the next 33 weeks.
Holiday Accrual:
Holiday accrues based on your usual salary, not the reduced maternity pay, ensuring that you receive your full entitlement.
For precise figures, you can use an online maternity and holiday pay calculator, which can provide a more tailored breakdown for your specific situation.
Returning to Work After Maternity Leave: Flexible Options
Returning to work can come with its own set of questions, especially if you’re considering adjusting your work schedule. Employers are required to consider flexible work requests, such as part-time or remote options, though they aren’t obligated to grant them. This is an option many parents find helpful, as it can make the transition back to work smoother.
Additionally, employees are legally entitled to return to their original role or a similar one if returning after maternity leave, securing your position as you transition back to work.
Keeping in Touch Days (KIT Days)
KIT days allow you to work up to 10 days during your maternity leave without affecting your SMP, providing a great way to ease back into work. KIT days are paid at your usual rate, offering extra income without reducing your maternity pay.
Other Benefits During Maternity Leave
Beyond holiday and maternity pay, several other benefits might be available during maternity leave:
For more information about returning to work after maternity leave read our comprehensive guide:
Join the ivee community!
Join our Facebook group. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with like-minded returners, seek advice on returning to work after maternity leave, or share your experiences, our Facebook community is here to help you navigate your journey back into the workforce.
You’ll find:
👉 Latest regulatory changes regarding maternity leave
👉 CV templates for women returning to work
👉 Latest industry updates
👉 Resources and guides to help you on your job hunt
👉 Confidence-building events, webinars and advice on all aspects of returning to work
Our Facebook community
Conclusion
Understanding and utilising your maternity benefits, from holiday pay to additional benefits, can maximise your time off and help you plan for the future. Always check your specific entitlements with HR to get a clear picture of what’s available, so you can make the most of your maternity leave with confidence and ease.
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