Definition
Days when an employee on maternity, adoption, or shared parental leave can work for their employer without ending their leave or losing statutory pay. Up to 10 KIT days are available during maternity or adoption leave, and up to 20 SPLIT days during shared parental leave.
UK Context
KIT days are provided for under the Maternity and Parental Leave Regulations 1999. They are entirely voluntary and both the employer and employee must agree. Work can include training, team meetings, or catching up on developments. Pay is agreed between the employer and employee.
Best Practices
- Discuss the possibility of KIT days early and agree the terms, including pay and types of activity
- Never pressure employees to use KIT days as they are entirely voluntary for both parties
- Use KIT days to help employees stay connected and ease the transition back to work
Frequently Asked Questions
How many KIT days are available?
Employees on maternity or adoption leave can work up to 10 KIT days. Those on shared parental leave have up to 20 Shared Parental Leave In Touch (SPLIT) days. These are in addition to KIT days if the employee took some maternity leave first.
Do employees get paid for KIT days?
There is no statutory rate for KIT day pay. It is agreed between the employer and employee. Common approaches include paying the normal daily rate less any SMP received that week, or simply paying SMP without additional pay.