A Notts architectural practice is planning for the arrival of new maternity laws with the help of Massers solicitors. From 1st April 2007, the length of paid maternity leave is set to increase from six to nine months.
CPMG, Nottinghams largest architectural practice, employs several working mothers and a mum-to-be, and has working practices and employment benefits in place for those who are pregnant.
The company provides pregnant workers with more days of fully paid leave for ante natal care than the legal requirement, and offers other employment benefits during and after maternity leave.
Managing director Jack Gant said: Retaining our female staff is important to us. We offer a range of benefits including bonuses, pay rises and pension contributions which continue for the full length of maternity leave, not just the statutory minimum maternity leave.
We encourage our female staff to return to work aiming to work around their needs such as job sharing, or we try and find them alternative employment within the company if this isnt possible.
CPMG mum-to-be Rachael Peck, is due to go on maternity leave in June. She said: I feel that my personal wellbeing is really being looked after. As soon as I announced my news, a risk assessment was carried out and I was advised not to take part in any activities at work that might put me or my baby at risk.
My employers have been very supportive, and I hope to come back to work after my maternity leave. We are already offered flexible start and finish times, and I know they will do everything they can to work around my needs.
Employment lawyer Angela Shaw at Massers is advising the company on a range of initiatives. She believes many local businesses are not as forward thinking as CPMG and will need to prepare for the changes.
She said: Being ill-prepared for changes in the law will create an Achilles heal for any business. The employment rights concerning maternity are heavy in detail. The onus is on workers to meet legal deadlines and procedures but the law also puts a burden onto employers to comply.
The basic legal rights on maternity include the right to time off for ante natal care; the right to maternity leave; the right not to be dismissed on the grounds of pregnancy or becoming a parent; the right to maternity pay; the right to return to work after maternity leave and the right to an alternative job, or right to pay, during suspension on the grounds of maternity.
A mother will be required to give 8 weeks notice if she proposes to return to work early. It is currently 4 weeks notice. There will also be keeping in touch days which will allow mothers to go to work for a few days without losing maternity benefits.
Massers is also advising employers to be aware that from 6th April, carers of adults will have new rights to request flexible working. The right is currently available only for parents of children under age 6, or under age 18 if the child is disabled.
