Here are some tips that may assist employers when a staff member is pregnant.
- The employer should carry out a pregnancy risk assessment during each trimester of the pregnancy. For this reason, it is in the best interests of the employee to confidentially disclose pregnancy at the earliest possible opportunity.
- A pregnant employee is entitled to receive relevant paid time off to attend hospital and related pregnancy appointments. An employee should produce either an appointment card and/or letter confirming appointments to the employer. A copy of these should be kept on the staff member’s file.
- The employer is required to allow the employee sufficient time to leave work and attend the appointment.
- An employer should ensure that they fill out any relevant sections of the Maternity Benefit form on behalf of the employee. A copy should be retained securely by the employer.
- It is important that an employee confirms to the employer the estimated due date of the baby so the employer can confirm the last working day for the employee.
- A pregnant employee has a statutory entitlement to 26 weeks maternity leave. Thereafter an employee may apply for an additional 16 weeks leave but must notify the employer in accordance with the notice period required.
- Maternity leave must be commenced at least 2 weeks must be taken before the baby is due.
Do you need a tailored maternity leave policy or a maternity risk assessment form? Canavan Byrne offer a full comprehensive Maternity Toolkit for your service.
Contact us at 01 6235908 to purchase what you need or to seek further information on maternity leave.
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