Keeping in touch (KIT) days

Employees on maternity or adoption leave are entitled to 10 keeping in touch (KIT) days. Read guidance on how and when they can be used, as well as how to calculate pay.

Last reviewed on 22 March 2024
School types: Maintained, Special, AcademySchool phases: Nursery, Primary, Secondary, 16 PlusRef: 10239
Contents
  1. Employees can work up to 10 days during maternity and adoption leave
  2. Agree pay in advance
  3. Decide how to make best use of the KIT days 

Employees can work up to 10 days during maternity and adoption leave

These ‘keeping in touch’ (KIT) days are optional and must be agreed to by both the employer and the employee. You’ll also need to agree:

  • The type of work an employee does
  • The pay they receive

Employees can’t carry out any work – including KIT days – during the 2-week compulsory maternity leave following the birth of a child.

Taking KIT days does not affect an employee’s right to maternity or adoption leave and pay. 

This is explained in the leave entitlement and maternity leave guidance on GOV.UK. 

Employees on shared parental leave 

This is explained in the leave entitlement