Maternity leave planner - UK employer checklist

Employee:
Role:
Manager:
Expected week of childbirth:
MATB1 received:
Maternity leave start date:
Expected return date:

Before leave
- Confirm pregnancy notification and expected week of childbirth.
- Record MATB1 evidence and SMP eligibility decision.
- Confirm Ordinary Maternity Leave and Additional Maternity Leave dates.
- Complete health and safety risk assessment.
- Confirm annual leave accrued before maternity leave starts.
- Agree handover plan and temporary cover.

During leave
- Keep reasonable contact notes.
- Record any agreed KIT days, work done, hours, and pay.
- Track accrued holiday and bank holiday treatment.
- Keep payroll records for SMP and any enhanced maternity pay.

Return planning
- Confirm intended return date.
- Plan accrued holiday before or after return.
- Consider flexible working, breastfeeding, phased return, or other adjustments.
- Restore systems access and manager check-ins.
- Update Leavely leave record and team calendar.