Pregnancy and Maternity Leave in the Workplace – Clarifying Commonly Confused Scenarios

The Maternity Protection Acts provide an entitlement of up to 26 weeks Maternity Leave and up to 16 weeks additional unpaid leave which may be taken immediately following Maternity Leave. Other entitlements may include, but are not limited to – time off for antenatal care and classes and post-natal care, Health and Safety Leave, Father’s Leave in the event of the death of the mother, time off from work or reduced working hours to allow breastfeeding, protection of certain employment rights, the right to return to work after taking maternity leave, protection against dismissal and a mechanism for resolving disputes and appeals about entitlements under the Act.

No Employee should be treated adversely for exercising their rights under the Maternity Protection Acts. Any such actions by an Organisation may constitute discrimination and could result in exposure to legal claims for compensation as well as negative publicity for the Organisation.

Given the complexities and sensitivities involved, it is critical that Organisations are clear on their obligations to Employees who are pregnant and on maternity leave and are ensuring compliance and best practice when managing this area in the Workplace.

This Complimentary eBook clarifies some of the key scenarios which commonly give rise to confusion when managing Pregnancy and Maternity Leave in the Workplace.

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