I have just given birth. When can I return to work?

An employer is not permitted to allow you to work for a two week period which starts with the date your baby is born. This is known as Compulsory Maternity Leave.

This could be until the end of a later period if you are prohibited by any statutory provision from working because of having recently given birth. It is worth noting that if you work in a factory, you will be not be able to resume work for 4 weeks after giving birth.