Statutory vs enhanced pay
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) and Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) are legal minimums with eligibility rules (employment length, earnings tests and notice requirements). Public sector employers commonly offer enhanced occupational pay: weeks at full pay, half pay or topped up to full pay alongside SMP.
NHS, schools and councils
NHS AfC typically provides eight weeks full pay (less SMP where applicable) and eighteen weeks half pay before SMP continues. Schools often follow Burgundy Book style patterns (four weeks full, two at 90%, twelve at half pay, then SMP). NJC councils have minimum occupational terms; many improve on them. Civil Service departments set their own enhanced schemes within delegated authority.
52-week timeline and return to work
Maternity leave can last up to 52 weeks. Weeks 40 to 52 may be unpaid if you remain on leave. Keeping in Touch (KIT) days, return conditions and clawback of enhanced pay vary by employer. Use the 52-week maternity pay timeline for cashflow planning and role calculators on the maternity hub for sector summaries.