Maternity and Adoption Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2006

From 1 April 2007, changes to Maternity Leave entitlements will come into force extending Additional Maternity Leave (“AML”) to all female staff. The legislation also introduces the opportunity for “keeping in touch” days and reasonable contact between the employer and employee. The legislation will impact on all female staff employed by general practices.

·         8 weeks notice must be given by the employee that they intend to return before the end of their AML.

·         Entitled to Maintain “Reasonable Contact” during the maternity leave to discuss workplace matters. This is to reduce the chances of being accused of harassment during the maternity period although “reasonable” is not defined.

·         Salaried female GPs and practice staff will be entitled to 39 weeks paid maternity leave; this has been increased from 26 weeks.

·         “Keeping in Touch” days can be agreed with the employee to allow her to attend work for up to a maximum of 10 days without losing entitlement to maternity or statutory maternity pay.

 

 

·         All female staff will be entitled to 52 weeks maternity leave from the 1 April 2007

·         There is no longer a requirement to have been with the same employer for 26 weeks to be entitled to AML.

·         Salaried female GPs and practice staff will be entitled to 39 weeks paid maternity leave; this has been increased from 26 weeks.

·         “Keeping in Touch” days can be agreed with the employer to allow her to attend work for up to a maximum of 10 days without losing entitlement to maternity or statutory maternity pay.