Pregnancy, Maternity and Family Leave

Our families are important to each and everyone of us.  We know you want to do what’s right for your employees.  However, pregnancy, maternity and other family leave rights can be super confusing.

We are here to explain things clearly, leaving you to focus on being the supportive employer you want to be.

 

Pregnancy, maternity and family HR advice

Pregnancy and maternity leave

Your employee will enjoy many rights during her pregnancy and maternity leave, including:

  • paid time off for ante-natal appointments
  • to continue to accrue benefits during her maternity leave (including holiday entitlement)
  • potential to work up to 10 keep-in-touch days
  • to return to the same job*
  • You must also conduct health and safety assessments.

*In some circumstances it could be a similar job but on the same or better terms and conditions.

It is so important to follow the law in this area. If you don’t, not only could you find yourself with a very unhappy employee, you could also a face an expensive discrimination claim. There is no limit to the amount of compensation that can be awarded for discrimination. In any event, if you treat your employees well, they are much more likely to want to return to work.

We will clearly explain your employee’s rights. We will  also provide simple, easy to follow correspondence and procedures, written in plain English. That way, we can help you to act legally and maintain a good relationship with your employee.

Family leave

It’s not just pregnant employees who have the right to time off for family matters. Employees are also entitled to other types of family leave:

Paternity Leave one or two weeks’ leave for new fathers or secondary adopters after the birth or placement of their child.

Parental Leave up to four weeks leave per year, up to the age of 18 years, to look after their children’s welfare.

Adoption Leave mirrors maternity leave for the primary adopter of a child. Note, this is not available to someone adopting a step-child.

Dependant’s Leave unpaid leave available to deal with an emergency involving a dependant.

Shared Parental Leave allows mothers and primary adopters to choose to come back to work early from maternity or adoption leave. Their unused leave can be converted into Shared Parental Leave, then shared or swapped between the two partners.

Parental Bereavement Leave up to two weeks’ leave available to parents who suffer the loss of a child under age 18.

Planning ahead

Whatever family leave your employee wants to take, we can talk you through their rights and show you how to plan for their absence. There are steps you can take to encourage your valued team member to return to work.

We are proud to be associated with Taxing Nannies, who specialise in payroll services for families that employ people directly, such as nannies or carers. They have produced an excellent guide to childcare options which any new or expectant parent would benefit from reading. If you would like a copy, please contact us.

Creating a good work and family life balance is important to everyone. Contact Parallel HR today to find out what we can do together to help.