Where an expected week of childbirth falls after 6 April 2003, new Governmental policies apply for maternity, paternity and adoption. The main provisions are as follows:

• Paid maternity leave of up to 26 weeks now available. Paid at 90% average (usual) earnings for 6 weeks then 20 weeks at £102.80 (£100 per week up to 5 April 2004).
• An additional 26 weeks of unpaid maternity leave available.
• Paid paternity leave of 2 weeks available, paid at £102.80 (£100 per week up to 5 April 2004).
• Adoption leave of up to 52 weeks available. 26 weeks can be paid at £102.80 (or 90% average weekly earnings, if lower) per week from 6 April 2004.

The above provisions are given as a right to most employees. The employer does not have any legal ground for denying the leave (paid or unpaid as appropriate) and cannot (fairly) dismiss an employee for exercising their rights.