NHS Maternity

Hi everyone! Wonder if anyone can shed any light on this! I’m currently employed by the NHS and on maternity pay - me & my partner are discussing a second with our ages it would be a case of trying quite soon possibly just before I go back to work (although I am using annual leave at the end of maternity) as I’m not in work I don’t have access to the policy - as a general rule does anyone know how long you need to have returned to work to be eligible for the occupational maternity pay with the nhs? Or is that not specified as you’ve remained in employment?! Any insight would be MASSIVELY appreciated!

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I also work for the nhs and heard that you don't need to have returned for a specific amount of time to go on mat leave again

Following as I am in the exact same position.

I don't think there is a "set" time you have to return before going off again. I returned from my first mat leave, pregnant with my second. I went back to work for roughly 6 months I think before going off on mat leave again. We have a 20 month gap between babies.xx

I'm guessing you just mean occupational maternity pay which we get in addition to statutory maternity pay during our leave? Yes, you've remained employed so you remain eligible as maternity leave doesn't count as an employment gap.xx

I asked my HR the same question and you don't need to go back from maternity leave for a set time to qualify for second occupational maternity pay. Being on maternity leave means you're still employed / on payroll / accruing annual leave etc. Maternity pay is calculated between 15-25 weeks pregnant. be mindful of that if you get pregnant whilst on the statutory or not being paid part of mat leave

Thank you everyone that’s really useful and has put my mind at rest!

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