If your nanny becomes pregnant, you will be required to administer Statutory Maternity Pay (if they qualify) to cover their maternity leave. There are also other things to consider such as paid time off for antenatal care and arranging ‘Keep In Touch’ days. Nannytax can give you plenty of support when it comes to your nanny’s maternity but we’ll cover off this topic in more detail below.
Is my nanny entitled to maternity leave?
Yes, all pregnant employees are entitled to maternity leave regardless of how long they have worked for their employer.
- A pregnant nanny may take up to 52 weeks of maternity leave in total.
- Your nanny will retain their employment rights while on the maternity leave. This means they will continue to accrue holiday and you must maintain your employer pension contributions.
- If your nanny decides to return before the end of the 52 weeks they must give you 8 weeks’ notice in writing.
- If your nanny decides to not return to work, they must inform you within the notice period stated in the contract of employment.
Does my nanny qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay?
In order to receive Statutory Maternity Pay, the nanny must :
- Have been in continuous employment with you for at least 26 weeks at their 25th week of pregnancy.
- Earn over the lower earnings limit which you can find here.
How much is Statutory Maternity Pay?
- The first 6 weeks of Statutory Maternity Pay is at 90% of the nanny’s gross wage.
- The remaining maternity pay period (up to a maximum of 33 weeks) is paid at the current SMP rate of £184.03 gross per week, or 90% of the nanny’s salary, whichever is lower.
- Any additional pay is at the employer’s discretion but note this cannot be reclaimed.
How does Statutory Maternity Pay work?
Statutory Maternity Pay is funded by the Government but you are responsible for submitting the maternity pay claim.
- Employers must obtain a copy of the nanny’s MAB1 form to apply for SMP.
- As a small employer, you may be able to receive Statutory Maternity Pay advanced funding to cover the cost of your employee’s maternity pay.
- Small employers will usually receive SMP in a lump sum which they will use to continue to pay their employee in the usual way – either weekly or monthly.
If you are a Nannytax client please note that we will reclaim the maternity pay from HMRC for you.
Statutory Maternity Pay is funded by the Government. You will need a copy of your nannies maternity certificate to submit the claim.
Antenatal Care
- Your nanny is entitled to reasonable time off with full pay whilst they attend antenatal clinic appointments or receive antenatal care.
- Please note they may not be able to arrange other appointments with their GP or midwife at times of their choice.
Keeping in Touch Days
Statutory Maternity Leave includes 10 ‘Keeping in Touch’ days (KIT days).
- This means your nanny may work for up to 10 days without bringing the maternity leave to an end.
- KIT days must be paid in line with your nanny’s usual wages. This must be paid by you, the employer. You can not claim this back as part of SMP.
- KIT days will not affect the maternity allowance or the SMP.
- They can be used for any work-related activity and working for part of a day should count as one day’s work.
- You can make reasonable contact during the maternity leave, for example, to discuss the nanny’s return to work.
Nannytax and Maternity Pay
We can fully assist you through the process of your nanny’s maternity leave and will claim the Statutory Maternity Pay from HMRC on your behalf. Our experienced payroll specialists will continue to provide payslips throughout the maternity leave. This can also be applied to adoption and paternity pay. Plus we can seamlessly set up a replacement or temporary cover nanny on your existing Nannytax account – additional fees apply.
Are you interested in our fully comprehensive nanny payroll service with access to specialists in areas such as maternity, nanny shares, and more?
Speak to a Nannytax advisor today or alternatively get going and set up your nanny payroll now.
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Sick Pay
All employees have the right to time off work if they are unwell. If your nanny calls in sick for the fourth day in a row, you are responsible for administering their Statutory Sick Pay.
Holiday Pay
All employees are entitled to paid time off work – more commonly referred to as holiday allowance or holiday pay.
Parental Leave
Shared parental leave enables parents or carers to share up to 50 weeks of leave and up to 37 weeks of pay if they are having a baby or adopting a child.