Maternity pay shake-up next week

29/09/2006

New laws for businesses and staff on maternity pay come into effect next week causing a big change in employment law.

The changes due to begin on October 1 will affect the rights of 400,000 mothers and the companies they work for, the government say.

Under the new laws statutory maternity pay, maternity allowance and statutory adoption pay will increase from six months to nine months for babies due on or after April 1 2007.

However, the government have also brought in a new measure which they feel will help employers, called ‘Keeping in Touch’ days.

This will allow mothers to go into work for a few days during their maternity leave, so they can stay in touch with developments at work.

Employment minister Jim Fitzpatrick, said: “Up to four hundred thousand mothers and their families will benefit each year from the introduction of these new measures.

“The introduction of 'Keeping in Touch' days will mean, where employers think it is helpful, mothers, if they agree, would be able to go into work for a few days during their maternity leave to stay in touch with developments at work.

“This would only be where employers and the mother find the arrangement acceptable, but generally this should help ensure mothers have a smooth return to work when their leave ends.

“The new arrangements have been introduced following consultations with businesses, and will also benefit employers by helping them plan ahead and manage maternity leave with greater certainty.”