New mothers also have a legally protected right to return to work, subject to certain limited exceptions, and certain enhanced rights over other employees, such as first refusal of alternative employment if her original post is made redundant. Up to 10 ‘keeping in touch’ or ‘KIT’ days.Two weeks of compulsory leave following the birth.The benefits of all normal terms and conditions of employment – job opportunities, pay rises, annual leave accrual etc, with the exception of normal pay.They can start their leave up to 11 weeks prior to the due date.The length of time they have worked for you or the number of hours they work does not affect how much maternity leave they can take.Up to 52 weeks off (26 weeks Ordinary Maternity Leave and 26 weeks Additional Maternity Leave).Pregnant employees are entitled to the following as part of their maternity leave: Not only that, but managing maternity leave is also an important way to build staff satisfaction and motivation, improving the chances of your employee continuing to work for you after their maternity leave ends. The law in this area can be confusing, so it’s important to get to grips with the regulations in order to prevent discrimination claims. Managing maternity leave: A guide for employersĪs an employer, you’ll no doubt find yourself faced with managing maternity leave within your business at some stage.
