Assumptions and pay data
- Section 15.15 needs 12 months' continuous service with one or more NHS employers at the start of the 11th week before the baby is due, and a plan to return to NHS work for at least 3 months.
- Section 15.21: 8 weeks' full pay (less SMP or Maternity Allowance), 18 weeks' half pay plus SMP or Maternity Allowance up to full pay, 13 weeks of SMP or Maternity Allowance, then 13 weeks unpaid: 52 weeks in all.
- Partners: 2 weeks' new parent support leave at full pay, less Statutory Paternity Pay, with 12 months' NHS service (15.111 to 15.117).
- 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
EnglandNHS resident / junior doctor contract (2016), not Agenda for ChangeFramework from 1/4/2026
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Guide for Registrar
This guide summarises enhanced maternity and paternity pay that typically applies to Registrar under NHS Junior / Resident Doctor Contract (England, 2016) at NHS. Eligibility and exact terms depend on your contract and length of service.
Family leave for Registrar
As Registrar at NHS, enhanced maternity and paternity usually follow NHS Junior Doctor. Typical enhanced maternity includes 8 weeks at full pay, 18 weeks at half pay. Typically same as AfC or similar. Check contract and employer. Enhanced paternity is often 2 weeks' 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 Registrar
Summary based on NHS Junior Doctor terms. Your contract may differ.
Maternity (enhanced)
8 weeks full pay, then 18 weeks half pay. Then Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) or Maternity Allowance where eligible, up to 52 weeks total leave.
Typically same as AfC or similar. Check contract and employer.
Paternity (enhanced)
2 weeks full pay (typical enhanced paternity).
Check contract.
Check your contract and 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 £67,325, the ST3 point, a week's pay is about £1,295. Weeks 1 to 8 pay full pay, about £1,295 a week (£10,358); weeks 9 to 26 pay half pay plus SMP, about £842 a week (£15,150); weeks 27 to 39 pay SMP, about £194 a week (£2,526). That is about £28,034 over 39 weeks before tax, against £13,404 from SMP alone.
What if I have less than 12 months' NHS 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?
To get the occupational pay you say you intend to return to NHS work for at least 3 months (15.15). If you do not return within 15 months of the start of your leave, you may have to repay the pay above SMP, though your employer can waive this for hardship (15.83).
Can I work during maternity leave?
Yes, up to 10 keeping in touch (KIT) days without ending your leave or losing SMP (GOV.UK). AfC sets out keeping in touch and return-to-work arrangements in paragraphs 15.66 to 15.83.
What do partners get?
2 weeks' new parent support leave at full pay, less Statutory Paternity Pay, with 12 months' NHS service (15.114). Without that service, 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 Registrar?
A Registrar is a doctor in specialty training (ST3 and above) working towards a CCT. They work with increasing autonomy under consultants. Pay is on the national junior doctor contract.
Typical demands, progression and balance
Registrar roles offer deepening expertise and variety. Pay and conditions depend on specialty and rotation. Progression is to CCT and consultant or GP.
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.