Keeping In Touch (KIT) Days

What it is

KIT days allow you to work for up to 10 days during your maternity leave without bringing your leave or Statutory Maternity Pay to an end. They are designed to help you stay connected with your workplace, attend training, or ease your return.

How they work

• You can work up to 10 KIT days during your maternity leave
• Each day counts as one KIT day, regardless of how many hours you work
• You and your employer must both agree - neither can insist
• You must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage for work done
• Once you exceed 10 days, your maternity leave and SMP may end

What counts as a KIT day

Attending work meetings or conferences, training or professional development, completing specific projects, handover meetings, and team away days.

Shared Parental In Touch (SPLIT) Days

If you are on Shared Parental Leave instead, you get up to 20 SPLIT days (each parent gets their own 20 days). These work the same way.

Key things to know

• KIT days are entirely optional - your employer cannot pressure you
• They do not extend your maternity leave
• Discuss and agree terms (including pay) with your employer in advance
• Some employers pay full salary for KIT days as part of enhanced maternity policy