Pregnancy & maternity quiz for employees
Welcome
Clued up on your rights as a
pregnant employee?
Take our quick quiz and find out!
Take the quiz
1 When must I return to work after I've given birth?
A I can go back as soon as the baby is born
XB I am entitled to take up to 26 weeks
XC I am entitled to take up to 52 weeks
/You must take two weeks' compulsory maternity leave after the baby is born (or 4 weeks if you work in a factory) but you can then choose to take up to 52 weeks' maternity leave. Your employer must assume you will return at the end of the 52 weeks unless you tell them otherwise and give them 8 weeks' notice.
2 Can I change my mind about when to come back after I've had my baby?
A Yes, but I have to give notice if I want to come back earlier
/Yes, but if you want to return sooner than 52 weeks, then you need to give 8 weeks' notice. It's best to tell your employer as soon as possible to make it easier for both of you to plan.
B Not once I've told my employer
XC Yes, as long as I do it before I go on leave
X3 Can my employer postpone me returning to work after maternity leave?
A No, not if I've given notice of my return
/No, an employer cannot postpone your return from maternity leave unless you're trying to come back before 52 weeks' leave without giving them 8 weeks' notice. As long as you've given notice, it would be maternity discrimination to postpone your return.
B Yes, if they tell me in advance
XC Yes, if I have that conversation before I go on leave
X4 If I'm ill at the end of maternity leave, do I still qualify for sick pay like everyone else?
A Yes but I must return to work first before I qualify
XB Yes, it makes no difference
/Yes, maternity leave should make no difference. You should be treated like any other employee (regardless of whether you're on maternity leave) and this includes receiving any contractual sick pay.
If you're treated unfavourably because you were on maternity leave (being told you cannot have any sick pay because you haven't been back to work since maternity leave for example) this would be maternity discrimination.
C No, I need to be back at work for at least three months before I qualify
X5 Can I add annual leave to the end of my maternity leave?
A No, I don't accrue annual leave when I'm on leave
XB Yes, as long as my employer agrees
/Yes, you can add your annual leave to the end of your maternity leave with your employer's consent. You still build up annual leave when you are on maternity leave.
You should try and agree with your employer when you will take it - whether it's before you go on maternity leave, at the end of leave or later in the year.
C Yes, but I need to come back to work for a month first, to build up leave
XComplete
Make sure you're up to speed on your rights and responsibilities by checking our guidance on maternity rights and working mums.
Read the guidance
Last updated: 18 May 2016