Maternity Leave & Family Friendly Law

As an employer, you must be aware of your employees' maternity leave rights. It is also essential that you stay up to date with family friendly legislation concerning paternity leave and parental rights, or you might find your business facing costly litigation.

At JMW, our employment law solicitors constantly advise employers on maternity leave, paternity leave and all other aspects of family friendly law. For more information, call 0845 872 6666 or fill in our online enquiry form.

What is Statutory Maternity Leave?

Employees are entitled to 26 weeks of ordinary maternity leave and a further 26 weeks of additional maternity leave.

When submitting a request for statutory maternity leave, you should expect the employee in question to let you know they are pregnant, when the baby is due and the date they would like to start their maternity leave (if they wish to change the date at any point, they must provide at least 28 days' notice).

As the employer you may wish to request these details in writing, or alternatively you may request that your employee supply a maternity certificate know as a MAT B1 form.

Family Friendly Legislation

Employers must also be aware of a host of new 'family friendly' laws, including paternity leave, parental leave, adoption leave and flexible working.

You need to be familiar with this new legislation if you want to avoid any successful claims. Alternatively, contact the JMW employment law team, specialists in maternity leave and family friendly legislation.

Contact JMW Solicitors

For legal advice and guidance on all aspects of family friendly legislation and maternity leave law, contact the employment law team at JMW Solicitors on 0845 872 6666 or fill in our online enquiry form.