UK Recruitment Glossary
Maternity Leave
In recruiter context
26 weeks Ordinary Maternity Leave plus 26 weeks Additional. Statutory Maternity Pay runs 39 weeks: six weeks at 90% of earnings, then 33 weeks at the lower of £184.03 (2024-25 rate) or 90% of earnings. Many employers enhance this — "6 months full pay" is increasingly common at larger firms. Keeping In Touch (KIT) days let you work up to 10 days during leave without ending it. You have the right to return to the same role for the first 26 weeks, and a similar role thereafter. Paternity leave is 2 weeks; Shared Parental Leave splits up to 50 weeks between parents.
Related terms
Keyword Stuffing
Cramming keywords into a CV (often white-on-white text or hidden) to game the ATS.
Screening Interview
The first interview, usually 20-30 minutes by phone or video, run by a recruiter.
PILON
Pay In Lieu Of Notice — the employer pays you for the notice period instead of having you work it.
Umbrella Company
A UK payroll intermediary that employs contractors on behalf of an end-client.