---

Ministers: Maternity Leave

Since 13 October 2025, ministers who serve for fewer than six months are expected to forgo their severance payment.

Ministers who return to office within three months of leaving will be asked to forgo their salary until the end of that three-month period.

Provisions for maternity cover and severance payments are set out in the Ministerial and other Maternity Allowances Act 2021, and Ministerial and Other Pensions and Salaries Act 1991 respectively.

Ministers providing temporary leave cover, outside of the provisions of the Ministerial and other Maternity Allowances Act 2021, are asked to waive their entitlement to a severance payment.

Unpaid ministers are not entitled to a severance payment under the terms of the Ministerial and Other Pensions and Salaries Act 1991.