New maternity rights

Women who are pregnant with a baby due on or after 30 April 2000, have gained new additional rights to maternity leave and greater protection against dismissal under the Maternity and Parental Leave Regulations 1999.

Every woman employee whose baby is due on or after this date will get at least 18 weeks' maternity leave, called "ordinary" maternity leave. And, provided she has been working for her employer for at least one year, she will have the right to take up to 11 weeks before and 29 weeks after the baby's birth (called "additional" maternity leave), and still preserve the right to return to work. The regulations also simplify the notice requirements to be given prior to returning to work.