Assumptions and pay data
- GOV.UK, working for HM Prison and Probation Service.
- 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 & WalesHMPPSReviewed 4/9/2026
Loading calculator…
Guide for Youth Justice Worker
This guide summarises enhanced maternity and paternity pay that typically applies to Youth Justice Worker under HMPPS pay (Prison & Probation) at Probation & Prisons. Eligibility and exact terms depend on your contract and length of service.
Family leave for Youth Justice Worker
As Youth Justice Worker at Probation & Prisons, enhanced maternity and paternity usually follow Probation and Prisons. Typical enhanced maternity includes 26 weeks at full pay. HMPPS: up to 26 weeks at full pay, then 13 weeks of SMP and 13 weeks unpaid (52 weeks in all). The HMPPS family leave policy sets the service and return-to-work conditions. 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 Youth Justice Worker
Summary based on Probation and Prisons terms. Your contract may differ.
Maternity (enhanced)
26 weeks full pay. Then Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) or Maternity Allowance where eligible, up to 52 weeks total leave.
HMPPS: up to 26 weeks at full pay, then 13 weeks of SMP and 13 weeks unpaid (52 weeks in all). The HMPPS family leave policy sets the service and return-to-work conditions.
Paternity (enhanced)
2 weeks full pay (typical enhanced paternity).
HMPPS: 2 weeks' maternity support (paternity) leave at full pay.
GOV.UK, Working for HMPPS, and the Prison Service employee package (section 4.2, family leave). This covers HMPPS staff in prisons, probation and youth custody. Staff in privately run prisons or council youth offending teams are on their own employer's terms.
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 £29,107 (the first point of the Prison Band 3 scale), a week's pay is about £560. Weeks 1 to 26 pay full pay, about £560 a week (£14,554); weeks 27 to 39 pay SMP, about £194 a week (£2,526). That is about £17,080 over 39 weeks before tax, against £9,435 from SMP alone.
What if I do not qualify?
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).
Can I work during maternity leave?
Yes, up to 10 keeping in touch (KIT) days without ending your leave or losing SMP (GOV.UK).
Do you store my information?
Your calculator inputs and results stay in your browser and are not stored. We only collect your name and email if you choose to give them, for example to download your results or sign up for email updates. We store them with MailerLite, our email provider, along with the page you were on. See our privacy policy.
About this role
What is a Youth Justice Worker?
A Youth Justice Worker supports children and young people (typically 12–18) in Youth Custody Service settings, focusing on safety, education and rehabilitation. Pay frameworks can differ from adult prisons; our calculator uses Prison Band 3 as an illustrative HMPPS operational starting point. Always confirm with YCS / HMPPS.
Typical demands, progression and balance
Youth custody work is specialised and high-impact. Training and safeguarding standards are central.
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.