What is Ordinary Maternity Leave?

This is the first 26 weeks of maternity leave. During this time you are entitled to all of the contractual rights (such as pension or holidays) that you would have received if you had not been on leave.

These include any special rights in your job contract such as company car or mobile phones (unless these are specifically for business use only).

The only element of your contractual rights that does not continue is your wages or salary. You are also entitled to receive the same basic statutory rights such as paid annual leave – which you can continue to accrue while on Ordinary Maternity Leave.

Additionally, your employer must not discriminate against you while you are on any part of your maternity leave.