Understanding what you're entitled to can feel like wading through bureaucratic treacle at a time when your brain is running on four hours' sleep.
Maternity leave
52 weeks: 26 weeks ordinary plus 26 weeks additional. Statutory Maternity Pay for 39 weeks: 6 weeks at 90% of average earnings, then 33 weeks at the flat rate. Paternity leave: 2 weeks at the flat rate.
Shared Parental Leave
Eligible couples can share up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay. The mother ends maternity leave early and converts the remaining entitlement. Both parents must meet employment and earnings criteria. Requires 8 weeks' notice to employers.
Your right to return
After ordinary leave: same job, same terms. After additional leave: same job or suitable alternative on no less favourable terms. You can request flexible working from day one of employment.
Childcare costs
Full-time nursery averages over 14,000 per year. Government-funded childcare starts at 15 hours from 9 months for working parents. Tax-Free Childcare provides up to 2,000 per year per child.