NHS Suffolk and North East Essex - Your Pregnancy Booklet

45 Getting ready for birth Work, maternity leave and money After your 20 week ultrasound scan, you can ask your midwife or GP for a MATB1 form . This form entitles you to statutory maternity pay from your employer or maternity allowance from Jobcentre Plus. During pregnancy/after birth you are entitled to: • paid time off for your antenatal appointments • maternity pay or maternity allowance • maternity leave • protection against unfair treatment, discrimination or dismissal If you aren’t working, or you/your household is on a low income you may be entitled to certain maternity benefits and allowances. Details can be found in the links below. If you are employed, you must inform your employer that you are pregnant at least 15 weeks before your baby’s due date. When you tell your employer they must perform a risk assessment , which ensures any necessary adjustments can be made to your working environment or pattern. It is worthwhile speaking to your company’s HR department and accessing the policy on pregnancy and maternity leave. For more information visit: • GOV.UK www.gov.uk/browse/childcare-parenting/pregnancy-birth • Maternity Action www.maternityaction.org.uk/ • The Money Advisory Service www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/having-a-baby