Maternity Rights in the UK

Maternity Rights in the UK 42% of women are concerned about taking maternity leave Almost half of working This needn't be the case if employees and businesses both have a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities. women in the UK are nervous about telling their boss they're pregnant. We asked 1000 women if they... I Before employment I Have accepted a job then asked about the company's maternity policy Have accepted a job while knowingly pregnant if yes then... 10.2 19.9% Have asked about 87.4% Had employment the company's maternity policy at a job interview 77.6% terminated after divulging pregnancy 15.4% 46.1% 53.9% 82.8% KEY YES NO Feel pregnancy is viewed negatively by employers Think employers should be more transparent about their employment policy DON'T KNOW 21.6% Think employers Are aware that 17.6% 39.1% could do more to partners can take 19.1% 63.3% support employees on maternity/ paternity leave 39.3% unclaimed maternity leave (paternity leave) 8.9 23.2% 45.9% 39.3% 51.8% 30.9% D During employment I At what stage of your pregnancy did or would you tell employers that you're pregnant? 100 68.4% 75 26% 25 5.6% Up to 3 months 3-6 months After 6 months An employee is required to notify her employer of: The fact she is pregnant Her due date When she intends to take maternity leave no later than the end of the 25th week of pregnancy 40 weeks Due date Primarily, where did or do you go to get information on maternity policies? ??? 35.6% 27.9% 27.7% 8.8% HR Manager Internet Employment Other at work contract To find out more about your legal rights and responsibilities as an employee DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PDF GUIDE AT www.qualitysolicitors.com/maternity-rights QualitySolicitors Employer Responsbilities Employers have an obligation to carry out a risk assessment to cover the risks the workplace poses to expectant mothers. All employees regardless of their length of service are entitled to maternity leave. However, not all employees are entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP). From 2015, parents will be entitled to Shared Parental Leave (SPL). This will give them up to a year's leave following the birth of their child to divide between them. Unlike the current situation, both parents will be able to be off work at the same time. Fathers are now entitled to Additional Paternity Leave after the mother has returned to work. Fathers do not have the right to paid time off to attend antenatal appointments with the mother of the child. To find out more about your legal rights and responsibilities as an employer DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PDF GUIDE AT www.qualitysolicitors.com/maternity-rights QualitySolicitors Sources: www.qualitysolicitors.com/maternity-rights Maternity research survey of 1000 working women conducted on behalf of QualitySolicitors by OnePoll (March 2013) www.guardian.co.uk/women-in-leadership/2013/may/22/shared-parental-leave-negative-stereotypes www.adviceguide.org.uk/scotland/work_s/work_rights_at_work_s/parental_rights_at_work.htm#MaternityRights www.equalityhumanrights.com/advice-and-guidance/guidance-for-employers/recruitment/ your-rights-if-you-are-pregnant-or-on-maternity-leave/