Sample notice letter giving notice for Maternity Leave and Pay

See our page on notification requirements for more information.  This letter should be sent by the 15th Week before your Expected Week of Childbirth.  

22rd February 2024

Dear [line manager/HR],

I am writing to confirm that I am pregnant, and that my baby is due in the week Sunday 1st  June – Saturday 7th June 2024.

I would like to take a week’s annual leave from the 19th May followed by the Bank Holiday on 26th May, and then start my maternity leave and pay on Tuesday 3rd June.

I enclose my MATB1 certificate. If I am not entitled to SMP, please send me form SMP1 so I can claim Maternity Allowance.

Yours sincerely,

[name]

This advice applies in England, Wales and Scotland. If you live in another part of the UK, the law may differ. Please call our helpline for more details. If you are in Northern Ireland you can visit the Labour Relations Agency or call their helpline Workplace Information Service on 03300 555 300.

If you have further questions and would like to contact our advice team please use our advice contact form below or call us.

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  Would your employer benefit from support from Working Families?

  Would your employer benefit from some support & guidance from Working Families? If you would like to make your employer aware of how Working Families can help them, we have an introduction letter template available that you can give to the relevant person in your organisation.