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

As a BMA member, whether you are a salaried GP, partner, locum or registrar, we encourage you to contact our First Point of Contact Service on 0300 123 1233 to seek advice regarding your own individual circumstances.

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?