The internet is packed with information about the various kinds of parental leave and it can sometimes be difficult to navigate.

This guide contains useful links to a range of general information that will be useful to GPs and will serve as a helpful checklist as you prepare for each stage of your leave, including:

• Maternity leave
• Paternity leave
• Adoption leave
• Shared parental leave
• Enhanced shared parental leave
• Statutory parental bereavement leave
• Leave for surrogates
• Unpaid parental leave

Your Local Medical Committee (LMC) will also be a valuable resource throughout the parental leave process, and they may be able to direct you to local workshops and networks.

Videos

GP maternity and paternal leave webinar - 2 December 2020

GP maternity and parental leave webinar – 9 December 2020

What this guide covers

Section 1. Your leave entitlements

• What is my leave entitlement?
• Do I have a partner who is entitled to leave?

Section 2. The financial situation

• What kind of maternity pay am I entitled to?
• How much will I receive?

Section 3. Notifying the practice and making plans

• When do I need to inform my employer?
• What information do I need to provide?
• How much contact should I have with work during leave?
• How should I plan my appraisal?

Section 4. Things to consider during pregnancy

• What are my rights regarding attending appointments
• What happens if I am unwell during pregnancy?
• Have I had appropriate risk assessments?

Section 5. During your leave

• What are KIT days?
• How does annual leave fit with maternity leave?

Section 6. Returning to work

• What provisions should an employer make when I return to work?
• What happens if I change jobs or roles during leave
• What happens if I take extra time out from work?