Maternity/Paternity Rights
Maternity and paternity rights have been under regular review and change for some time. The rules and regulations are detailed and they are not easy to understand for employees or employers. If the employer gets it wrong however you might have a possible claim for discrimination and/ or a breach of the regulations.
Essentially, the maternity/paternity rules provide:
- that “mums to be” who have been employed for a certain length of time have the right to take 52 weeks maternity leave
- for statutory maternity pay for up to 39 weeks of the maternity leave period, with the first 6 weeks paid at 90% of salary and the remainder at the statutory rate
- fathers, husbands or partners (including within same-sex relationships) who have responsibility for bringing up a child (including adopted children) have the potential right to take statutory paternity leave providing certain conditions are met
You must give your employer proper notice at set times to protect your rights. We at Hart Brown can help explain the detail of the regulations and answer any queries a mum or dad to be or recent mum or dad might have regarding their maternity and paternity rights.
To speak to someone who can help with maternity and paternity rights or any other employment related issue call, email or request a call back from one of our specialist lawyers.