Pregnancy Leave Entitlements

Pregnancy leave allows expecting mothers to take time off work to prepare for childbirth, recover, and care for their newborns. The rules and benefits differ depending on the country. Below is an overview of pregnancy leave entitlements in the Netherlands, UK, France, Spain, Italy, and Germany.

Netherlands

• Pregnant employees are entitled to at least 16 weeks of maternity leave.
• This leave usually starts 4 to 6 weeks before the expected due date and continues for at least 10 weeks after birth.
• During maternity leave, employees receive maternity benefits typically amounting to 100% of their salary, paid through the employee insurance agency.
• Job protection is guaranteed during the leave period.

United Kingdom

• Pregnant employees get up to 52 weeks of maternity leave: 26 weeks of Ordinary Maternity Leave and 26 weeks of Additional Maternity Leave.
• Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is paid for up to 39 weeks (first 6 weeks at 90% of average weekly earnings, then up to 33 weeks at a standard rate or 90% if lower).
• Employees are protected from dismissal due to pregnancy or maternity leave.

France

• Pregnant employees have a right to 16 weeks of maternity leave for the first and second child (6 weeks before birth and 10 weeks after). For the third child and beyond, leave extends to 26 weeks (8 weeks before and 18 weeks after).
• Maternity benefits are paid via social security, generally covering a significant portion of salary, subject to ceilings.
• Women are protected against dismissal during pregnancy and maternity leave.

Spain

• Pregnant employees are entitled to 16 weeks of maternity leave, which can be increased in cases of multiple births, adoption, or disability.
• The leave can begin up to 4 weeks before the estimated due date.
• During this period, employees receive 100% of their salary paid through social security contributions.
• Job protection is guaranteed during the leave.

Italy

• Maternity leave typically lasts for 5 months: 2 months before and 3 months after childbirth.
• During leave, employees receive an indemnity equivalent to 80% of their salary, paid by social security.
• Additional protections include prohibitions on dismissal during pregnancy and for a period after childbirth.

Germany

• Pregnant employees are entitled to maternity leave 6 weeks before and 8 weeks after childbirth (extended to 12 weeks for premature or multiple births).
• During maternity leave, employees receive maternity pay (“Mutterschaftsgeld”) funded by health insurance plus employer contributions, generally amounting to the full salary.
• Women are protected against dismissal during pregnancy and for 4 months after childbirth.

For detailed information tailored to your specific situation or country, please contact us or check with your local employment authority.