Maternity and paternity leave calculator
Enter the first day of your leave to see when it ends.
Both maternity and paternity leave are on full pay under the Employment Act.
How it's calculated
- Maternity leave lasts 3 months with full pay.
- Paternity leave lasts 2 weeks with full pay.
- The calculator counts calendar days from the first day of leave.
An example
Maternity leave that starts on 1 November 2026 ends on 31 January 2027.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to tell my employer in advance?
Yes. Give at least seven days' notice in writing of the date you start and that you will return, or a shorter period if that is reasonable.
Can I go back to the same job?
Yes, or to a reasonably suitable job on terms no less favourable than before.
What if I take annual leave straight after?
If your employer agrees, maternity leave is treated as ending on the last day of that extra leave.
Key terms
- Full pay
- Your normal wages for the whole leave.
Up-to-date official data
Data checked against the official source on .
We check the official sources automatically, every day.
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