Maternity leave notices to ease stress later

When to use:

• When you are expecting a child! And preferably, as early as possible.

These agreements are suitable for

•  Employees who are expecting a child
• Employers who wish to ensure the time off and pay are agreed in writing to save errors of mis-communication later.

Which to use?

• Choose EM12 if you are an expectant father.
• As a pregnant employee, you are entitled to a maximum of 52 weeks leave. 26 weeks of this is ‘ordinary leave’, which is usually paid. You may take the additional 26 weeks if you so wish. Whether you do depends on your personal situation. If you are sure you only want to take 26 weeks leave, choose EM11. If you would like to take more choose EM10.

Letters EM10 – EM12 include the following:

• Details of the parties involved;
• Number of weeks the employee wishes to take;
• Expected week of childbirth;
• Details about the medical certificate which is to be enclosed;
• Details about returning to work;
• ‘Keeping in touch’ days where relevant;
• Acknowledgement of receipt of the letter;
• Explanatory notes in plain English.