Keeping-in-Touch days

Edited by Oliver Wakefield-Smith, Founder of Digital Signet. Last reviewed 23 June 2026.

Direct answer

How do KIT days work?

You and your employer can agree up to 10 Keeping-in-Touch days during your maternity leave. KIT days do not extend leave, do not affect SMP, and are entirely voluntary on both sides. The 10-day limit is total across the whole leave; any partial day worked counts as one full KIT day. Your employer cannot compel KIT days; you cannot demand them.

What counts as a KIT day

Any work you do under regulation 12A of the Maternity and Parental Leave Regulations 1999, while on maternity leave, with your employer's agreement. An hour of email counts as one KIT day. A full team away-day counts as one KIT day. The 10 KIT days can be taken any time during leave, including the compulsory 2-week period after birth.

KIT day pay

There is no statutory rate for KIT day pay. You and your employer agree the rate. Many employers pay normal salary for the hours worked, offset against SMP for that week so the employee does not receive less than SMP. Others pay full salary on top of SMP. The arrangement is contractual; the law only sets the 10-day cap and the SMP-protection rule.

Working an 11th day

Once you exceed 10 KIT days, you lose SMP for the entire week in which the 11th day falls. You also lose the right to return to your old job under OML for that day, because you have effectively ended leave for it. The 11-day cliff is hard.

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KIT day counter

You may work up to 10 Keeping-in-Touch days without losing SMP. A day worked counts as one KIT day, regardless of hours.

010 KIT days remaining.

Can my employer require KIT days?

No. KIT days are voluntary on both sides. Your employer cannot make you work, and you have no right to demand work. The arrangement is by mutual agreement only.