Pregnancy

Q: I have been working in Ulverston for a company for the past two-and-a-half years and I have just found out that I am pregnant.

A: Well first of all congratulations! You are now in what is known as the “protected period” and you have a number of new employment rights.

Dear Jenny,

What should I do?

You are entitled to paid time off for ante-natal appointments, protection from dismissal and discrimination and maternity leave / pay, if you are eligible.

You must tell your employer at least 15 weeks before the week your baby is due (about 25 weeks) and hand them a MATB1 form (you will be given this by your midwife).

You must also tell your employer when you wish to start your maternity leave, though you can change the date with notice.

Once you have told your employer they should then carry out a risk assessment for you.

You are entitled to 52 weeks of maternity leave, you do not have to take it all, but you can not work for two weeks after the birth.

You maternity leave is broken into two parts, six months ordinary leave and six months additional maternity leave.

The difference is important as you are only entitled to return to the same job after ordinary maternity leave, after additional leave you can only return to the same job if it is ‘reasonably practicable’ for your employer.

Also, you may now share your additional leave with your partner.

You might be entitled to maternity pay for 39 weeks subject to earning the minimum weekly amount.

This can also be shared with your partner, subject to eligibility.

If you are not eligible for maternity pay then you may qualify for maternity allowance.

If you are ill with a pregnancy related illness in the four weeks before the baby is due your maternity leave and pay will start automatically.

I wish you all the best and if you would like further information on maternity leave or paternity leave then please contact me on j.nuttall@livingstons.co.uk or 01229 585555.