Maternity leave acknowledgement (eligible for maternity pay) letter
If an employee has notified you that they intend to take maternity leave, issue this model letter template as acknowledgement, and to inform them that they are eligible for Maternity Pay.
The letter includes wording for both statutory and enhanced pay (should your organisation provide it).
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What is a Maternity leave acknowledgement (eligible for maternity pay) letter?
A Maternity Leave Acknowledgement letter serves as a confirmation that an employee is eligible for maternity pay and other related benefits under the company's maternity leave policy. The purpose of the letter is to inform the employee that their notification of maternity leave has been received and that they are entitled to maternity pay, time off work, and other relevant benefits.
The letter typically outlines the dates of the employee's expected absence from work and the expected date of return, as well as any conditions that need to be met in order to receive the maternity pay. It also provides information on the employee's rights and responsibilities during their maternity leave, including their obligations to stay in contact with the company and to inform the employer of any changes in their circumstances.
The Maternity Leave Acknowledgement letter is an important document for both the employee and the employer, as it ensures that both parties are aware of their obligations and responsibilities during the maternity leave period. It also helps to clarify any confusion or misunderstandings that may arise, and can help to prevent disputes between the employee and employer in the future.
The letter should be issued no later than 28 days after the employee notifies their employer of their pregnancy, in accordance with UK employment law. This letter confirms the employee's entitlement to maternity leave, the duration of the leave, and the expected date of return.
The Employer (you) to the Employee
Great Britain & NI (United Kingdom), Worldwide
What legislation and best practice guidelines have been taken into account in the development of this template?
Here are some key points from UK employment legislation regarding implementing a Maternity Leave Acknowledgement letter:
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Employers must provide written confirmation to pregnant employees of their entitlement to maternity leave and pay within 28 days of the employee's request.
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Employers must also provide written notification to employees of the start and end dates of their maternity leave and pay, as well as their expected return date, no later than 28 days after the employee's request.
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The employee must give their employer at least 15 weeks' notice before the expected week of childbirth in order to be eligible for maternity leave and pay.
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Employees are entitled to up to 52 weeks of maternity leave, with the first 26 weeks known as "ordinary maternity leave" and the second 26 weeks as "additional maternity leave."
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During the first 26 weeks of maternity leave, employees are entitled to receive statutory maternity pay (SMP), which is paid for up to 39 weeks. The rate of SMP is 90% of the employee's average weekly earnings for the first six weeks, followed by a flat rate for the remaining 33 weeks.
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To be eligible for SMP, employees must have worked continuously for their employer for at least 26 weeks up to the end of the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth, and must earn at least £120 per week.
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Employers must provide employees with a written statement outlining their rights and entitlements to maternity leave and pay.
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Employers must not discriminate against employees on the grounds of pregnancy or maternity, and must provide a safe and healthy working environment for pregnant employees.
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Employees are entitled to return to the same job after their maternity leave, or to a suitable alternative job if their original job is no longer available.
Other territories
Consult your jurisdiction's employment legislation or labor laws to ensure compliance with the template. Review the language for local precision.
In which communication or process sequence does this template belong?
Maternity leave notification letter template
If an employee will be taking maternity leave, they can use this model letter template as notification of their pregnancy, and when they expect it to commence.
Maternity leave return to work reminder letter template
Our Maternity Leave Return to Work Reminder Letter template streamlines communication, reducing employee confusion and facilitating a smooth transition back to work.
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