Not by law. Any individual on maternity leave is entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP). This covers 90% of average weekly earnings for the first six weeks, and then £172.48 OR 90% of their average weekly earnings (whichever is lower) for the remaining weeks. Whether you receive more than this via Enhanced Maternity Pay (EMP) is at the discretion of the employer. EMP can be up to full pay, but it’s up to the employer and not a legal obligation.