To take advantage of OML, you must notify your employer as follows no later than the end of the 15th week before the week your baby is due (the notification week):

• That you are pregnant

• When the expected week of childbirth will be (your employer can request a medical certificate)

• When you intend to start your maternity leave (in writing, if your employer requests)

The start of your maternity leave must be no earlier than the 11th week before the expected week of childbirth.

You can change the starting or finishing dates of your leave as long as you give 28 days' notice.

Your employer must notify you of the end date of your leave within 28 days of receiving your notification.

Any Usdaw member who becomes pregnant should obtain the union's Maternity Rights Pack. It contains essential information about your rights and is available from your local Usdaw office. The rules are complex and it is important that you follow them carefully.Your contract of employment may give you better maternity leave arrangements than the statutory ones set out below. Always check your contract terms.

Qualifying service

Ordinary maternity leave - None

Statutory Maternity Pay - 26 weeks at notification week

Additional maternity leave - 26 weeks at notification week

Paternity leave - 26 weeks at notification week

Parental leave - One year