Compare Employment Leave Types

UK employment law provides several types of family-related leave. This comparison covers the main options, their duration, and statutory pay rates.

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Feature	Maternity Leave	Paternity Leave	Shared Parental Leave	Adoption Leave
Maximum duration	52 weeks	2 weeks	Up to 50 weeks (shared from maternity)	52 weeks
Statutory pay duration	39 weeks	2 weeks	Up to 37 weeks	39 weeks
Statutory pay rate	90% for 6 weeks, then £184.03/week	£184.03/week	£184.03/week	90% for 6 weeks, then £184.03/week
Qualifying service	26 weeks by 15th week before due date	26 weeks by 15th week before due date	Both parents must qualify	26 weeks by matching week
Can be shared	Can curtail to create SPL		Yes — designed for sharing	Can curtail to create SPL
Statutory weekly pay rate (2025/26)	£194.32/wk (after 6 weeks at 90% AWE)	£194.32/wk	£194.32/wk	£194.32/wk (after 6 weeks at 90% AWE)
Notice required to start	15 weeks before expected due date	15 weeks before due date (28 days for start date)	8 weeks written notice to employer	28 days before leave starts

Statutory pay rates shown are for 2025/26. Enhanced pay may apply under your employer's own policy.

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Disclaimer

The information on this page was correct at the time of writing. Amounts, thresholds, and rules may change. Always check the latest official guidance.