1. Explained (I hope!) Dr Andy Downs, LTPD, Durham & Tees Valley GP training Programme

2.  This is as I understand it  Based on information from ◦ BMA ◦ NHS employers.org ◦ Direct.gov.uk website  Please make sure you check the details on a case by case basis Dr Andy Downs, LTPD, Durham & Tees Valley GP training Programme

3.  Maternity Pay comprises two components  With DIFFERENT qualifying conditions 1) NHS scheme 2) Statutory Maternity Pay ◦ If a woman doesn’t qualify for SMP she can claim Maternity Allowance Dr Andy Downs, LTPD, Durham & Tees Valley GP training Programme

4. Qualifying Conditions To be eligible a doctor must have been in continuous NHS service (with one or more employers) for one year at 11 weeks before the expected week of childbirth, without any break of more than three months. Entitlement 8 weeks full pay, 18 weeks half pay (plus any smp/ma) 13 weeks smp/ma Ref 4.4 Maternity Leave for NHS Staff Dr Andy Downs, LTPD, Durham & Tees Valley GP training Programme

5.  If a doctor meets the requirement for the NHS scheme, they do not necessarily meet the requirements for SMP and may need to claim maternity allowance. Dr Andy Downs, LTPD, Durham & Tees Valley GP training Programme

6. Qualifying Conditions To be eligible a doctor must have worked for their current employer for 26 weeks at the end of the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth. With respect to SMP the NHS does not count as a single employer Dr Andy Downs, LTPD, Durham & Tees Valley GP training Programme

7.  If the doctor does not qualify for SMP – you should complete a SMP1 form stating that fact  This allows her to claim maternity allowance through the job centre Dr Andy Downs, LTPD, Durham & Tees Valley GP training Programme

8. A maternity calculator which helps with dates etc. BMA member only http://www.bma.org.uk/employmentandcontracts/leave/maternity_advice/thi nking_having_baby/mlentitlement.jsp http://www.bma.org.uk/employmentandcontracts/leave/maternity_advice/thi nking_having_baby/mlentitlement.jsp National changes in Maternity Leave / Pay http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Moneyandworkentitlements/WorkAndFa milies/Pregnancyandmaternityrights/index.htm http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Moneyandworkentitlements/WorkAndFa milies/Pregnancyandmaternityrights/index.htm European Directive on Maternity Leave http://www.nhsemployers.org/EmploymentPolicyAndPractice/European_em ployment_policy/Pages/Proposed-Changes-To-Maternity-Leave.aspx http://www.nhsemployers.org/EmploymentPolicyAndPractice/European_em ployment_policy/Pages/Proposed-Changes-To-Maternity-Leave.aspx NHS Guidance for Maternity and Doctors in Training http://www.nhsemployers.org/Aboutus/Publications/Pages/MaternityIssuesF orDoctorsInTraining.aspx http://www.nhsemployers.org/Aboutus/Publications/Pages/MaternityIssuesF orDoctorsInTraining.aspx Dr Andy Downs, LTPD, Durham & Tees Valley GP training Programme