From the 6th of April 2003, the following apply:
Quote:
Length of maternity leave
The length of ordinary maternity leave is increased and pregnant employees are entitled to 26 weeks’ ordinary maternity leave, regardless of how long they have worked for their employer.
Ordinary maternity leave is normally paid leave.
Women who have completed 26 weeks’ continuous service with their employer by the beginning of the 14th week before their EWC can take additional maternity leave. Additional maternity leave starts immediately after ordinary maternity leave and continues for a further 26 weeks.
Additional maternity leave is usually unpaid although a woman may have contractual rights to pay during her period of additional maternity leave.
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(from the Department of Trade & Industry website -
http://www.dti.gov.uk/er/matleafr.htm)
No small business exemptions that I can find, and the pay is to be 90% of salary for 6 weeks, followed by £100/week for the remaining 20 weeks.