Assumptions and pay data
- Green Book Part 2 para 11.5: a year's continuous local government service by the 11th week before the baby is due; 6 weeks at nine-tenths of pay, including SMP; then 12 weeks' half pay plus SMP, not above full pay, if you say you will return for at least 3 months.
- Green Book Part 2 para 7.6: 5 days' maternity support leave with pay for the father, partner or nominated carer. Paternity and shared parental pay beyond that are local; the Green Book asks each authority to publish its policies (Part 4.5 para 7).
- Pound figures use the pay shown and 2026/27 SMP of £194.32 a week; they are gross, before tax and pension.
Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Calculator
England (NJC illustrative)Local authority / NJCFramework from 1/4/2026
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Guide for Highways Operative
This guide summarises enhanced maternity and paternity pay that typically applies to Highways Operative under Local Government pay (NJC) at Councils. Eligibility and exact terms depend on your contract and length of service.
Family leave for Highways Operative
As Highways Operative at Councils, enhanced maternity and paternity usually follow NJC Green Book. Typical enhanced maternity includes 6 weeks at 90% of pay, 12 weeks at half pay. Green Book minimum: 6 weeks at 90% of pay (SMP included), then 12 weeks at half pay plus SMP, as long as the total does not go above full pay. Then 21 weeks of SMP, then unpaid to 52 weeks. You need 1 year's continuous local government service by the 11th week before the baby is due. By agreement, the half pay can be spread over up to 33 weeks. Many councils offer more. Check employer. Enhanced paternity is often 1 week's full pay, subject to eligibility and notice rules. Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) and Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) are legal minimums; occupational schemes may top up or run alongside them.
Eligibility and service
Enhanced schemes often require continuous service (commonly 12 months at the qualifying week). Return-to-work conditions and Keeping in Touch (KIT) days vary. Always read your contract and HR policy.
Shared parental leave
Shared parental leave and pay have separate rules. This page focuses on maternity and paternity; ask your employer about SPL if you plan to share leave.
Typical entitlement for Highways Operative
Summary based on NJC Green Book terms. Your contract may differ.
Maternity (enhanced)
6 weeks at 90%, then 12 weeks half pay. Then Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) or Maternity Allowance where eligible, up to 52 weeks total leave.
Green Book minimum: 6 weeks at 90% of pay (SMP included), then 12 weeks at half pay plus SMP, as long as the total does not go above full pay. Then 21 weeks of SMP, then unpaid to 52 weeks. You need 1 year's continuous local government service by the 11th week before the baby is due. By agreement, the half pay can be spread over up to 33 weeks. Many councils offer more. Check employer.
Paternity (enhanced)
1 week full pay (typical enhanced paternity).
Green Book Part 2 para 7.6: 5 days' maternity support leave with pay for the father, partner or nominated carer. Any more paternity or shared parental pay is set by your council's own policy, so check it.
NJC Green Book (May 2024), Part 2 paras 7.6 and 11.5. These are national minimums and many councils offer more. Check your employer.
Statutory minimums are set in law (SMP, SPP). Enhanced pay is what your employer offers on top of or instead of part of the statutory amount, depending on scheme rules.
Frequently asked questions
How much maternity pay would that be?
On £25,614 (the first point of the SCP 3–12 scale), a week's pay is about £493. Weeks 1 to 6 pay nine-tenths of pay, about £443 a week (£2,660); weeks 7 to 18 pay half pay plus SMP, about £441 a week (£5,287); weeks 19 to 39 pay SMP, about £194 a week (£4,081). That is about £12,028 over 39 weeks before tax, against £9,072 from SMP alone.
What if I have less than a year's service?
You get the legal minimum instead. SMP needs 26 weeks with your employer by the 15th week before the baby is due and average earnings of at least £129 a week; without it you may get Maternity Allowance instead (GOV.UK).
Do I have to go back to work?
The 12 half-pay weeks depend on saying you will return for at least 3 months. If you do not go back, you may have to repay them.
Can I work during maternity leave?
Yes, up to 10 keeping in touch (KIT) days without ending your leave or losing SMP (GOV.UK).
What do partners get?
Under the Green Book, 5 days' maternity support leave with pay around the birth (Part 2 para 7.6), plus anything your employer's paternity policy adds. For paternity leave itself, the legal minimum applies: Statutory Paternity Pay is £194.32 a week, or 90% of average earnings if lower, for up to 2 weeks, after 26 weeks with the employer; the leave itself is a right from day one (GOV.UK).
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About this role
What is a Highways Operative?
A Highways Operative maintains roads, footways, drainage and street infrastructure for a council or highways authority. Pay is typically NJC Green Book.
Typical demands, progression and balance
Highways work is practical and visible in the community; overtime and winter maintenance can apply.
What enhanced maternity or paternity pay do I get?
Many public sector employers offer enhanced pay on top of statutory maternity or paternity pay. Use the calculator above to see typical entitlement for your sector. Check your employer and contract for exact terms.
Disclaimer
Illustrative estimates, not legal or HR advice. Your contract and your employer's policy decide your actual entitlement.