In the UK, statutory maternity leave lasts up to 52 weeks (1 year) for eligible employees. This period is divided into two parts:

• Ordinary Maternity Leave : The first 26 weeks
• Additional Maternity Leave : The following 26 weeks

You must take at least 2 weeks off immediately after your baby is born (or 4 weeks if you work in a factory), but you do not have to take the full 52 weeks if you choose not to

. You can start maternity leave as early as 11 weeks before the expected week of childbirth, or it will start automatically if your baby is born early or if you are off work due to a pregnancy-related illness in the 4 weeks before your due date

. If you want to return to work earlier than planned, you must give your employer at least 8 weeks' notice

. Shared Parental Leave is also an option, allowing you to share some of the leave with your partner if you choose to end your maternity leave early