How do we handle Maternity Leave calculations and schedules?

To properly process maternity leave for your employees, please follow these steps:

• Request the MATB1 form from your employee who is taking maternity leave
• Let us know the start date for their maternity leave
• Inform us if your company offers enhanced maternity pay beyond the statutory minimum
• We will create a payment schedule based on your company policy (e.g., 6 weeks at 90% of average earnings or 100% of basic salary, followed by additional weeks at different rates)
• Please note that from 6th April 2025, your company can claim back 108% of statutory maternity pay
• We will process the maternity pay through payroll, which will be deducted from the PAYE amount your company owes to HMRC
• The maternity schedule will include the unpaid portion of maternity leave (up to 13 weeks) to prevent any overpayment issues

For an employee to be eligible for statutory maternity pay:

• They must have been continuously employed by your company for at least 26 weeks up to and including the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth
• They must earn on average at least the Lower Earnings Limit (LEL)
• They must provide proper notice (at least 28 days before starting maternity leave)

Please forward the MATB1 form via the secure payroll portal so we can assess eligibility and calculate the appropriate payments.