Are you planning on taking parental leave?
We’re a community of GPs who understand the joys and challenges of welcoming a new baby into our lives. Whether you’re planning to take parental leave, currently on leave, or returning to work, we’re here to provide you with the resources, tools and support you need to navigate this exciting journey.
You can also join the Parental Leave Support Network WhatsApp group to stay up to date on PLSN events and news.
I’m planning to take parental leave
In the UK, the different types of parental leave include maternity leave, paternity leave, adoption leave, shared parental leave, and parental leave. For more information, visit the UK government’s website on parental leave.
Childcare Information and Resources
If you’re planning to send your child to nursery upon your return to work, start looking at least 6-12 months before you go back. Some nurseries have waiting lists, so it’s good to be prepared. When you’re choosing a nursery, think about things like where it’s located, how much it costs, and the feel of the place- you can visit the nursery to see what it’s like. The UK government has more info about choosing childcare on its website.
Tax-Free Childcare Account
- Information: https://www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare
- Application: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-tax-free-childcare
15 and 30 Hours Free Childcare Schemes:
What if I’m not eligible for SMP?
Don’t worry, you can apply for the Statutory Maternity Allowance instead!
You can apply for SMA up to 11 weeks before your due date, or as soon as possible after the baby is born. You can apply online or by post using the form SMP1, which you can get from the government website. You will need to provide evidence of your pregnancy, such as a MATB1 certificate from your doctor or midwife, as well as evidence of your income and employment history.
- Receive payments: If you’re eligible, you’ll receive SMA for up to 39 weeks, starting no earlier than 11 weeks before your due date. The current rate is £151.20 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.
- UK Government – how to claim maternity pay:
- https://www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave/how-to-claim
- UK Government – Maternity allowance claim form: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/maternity-allowance-claim-form
- UK Government’s information page on SMA: https://www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave/overview
Subscriptions
- British Medical Association (BMA): The BMA offers discounted membership fees for doctors on parental leave. Members who are on maternity, paternity, or adoption leave can apply for a reduced membership fee. You can find more information and apply for the discount on the BMA website:
https://www.bma.org.uk/join/membership-faqs - Medical Indemnity Providers: Medical indemnity providers such as Medical Protection, MPS, and MDU offer discounts or reduced rates for doctors who are on parental leave. Contact your indemnity provider for more information.
- General Medical Council (GMC): The GMC offers a 50% discount on the annual retention fee for doctors on parental leave. You can find more information and apply for the discount on the GMC website: https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/managing-your-registration/fees-and-funding/discounts/maternity-parental-or-adoption-leave
- Royal College General Practitioners (RCGP): You can claim a discount for each year your maternity leave covers. The renewal is in April each year. This means if you are on maternity leave in March 2024 and April 2024 you will get a discount for both 2023/2024 and 2024/2025.