Maternity Leave in Europe

Maternity leave is granted to all working mothers but then different companies have their maternity leave packages so you need to have full information regarding maternity leave.

Maternity leave laws in Europe

Maternity leave laws in Europe give the mother a paid leave of thirty nine weeks though the time period is divided into two i.e. ordinary and additional leave which can last for a period of 6months each. The employers have their own schemes to offer which benefits mother as well as the new born but then you need to qualify to receive these maternity leave benefits.

What are the qualifications required?

Irrespective of how long you have been working in the company you get the benefit of the maternity leave laws and continue to be an employee of the company even when you are on the leave role.

What is redundancy?

This is a type of law in which you are dismissed from your work position temporarily not because of your impending pregnancy or maternity leave but then if you are relieved from your work during your leave period then your employer should give you a job which is suitable to your previous status of employment.

Emergency or unwarranted circumstances

In this case as a parent if you are unable to work due to unwarranted circumstance which interferes with that of paid leave then your employer is at the liberty to determine if it is necessary to give you leave.

Adoption and surrogate leave laws

You are granted unpaid leave in case you adopt a baby or become a surrogate mother.

Miscarriage

You are entitled to the thirty nine weeks of paid maternity leave in spite of having undergone a miscarriage or your baby is stillborn at birth but then this law applies only if the pregnancy has crossed the twenty four week gestation period.

Communicating problems?

The need to communicate with your employer becomes important when you need to announce your impending pregnancy and you need to put in a request maternity leave application at least twenty-five weeks before the date of delivery. You need to mention the time period and the date from when you plan to stay back at home due to pregnancy and when you will resume your duties.

MAT B1 forms

This is a maternity form filled by your doctor at the end of 21 weeks of pregnancy along with other information regarding pre-natal and post-natal leave, clearly mentioning the due date.

Women with good health prefer to work till the end or may take leave 11 weeks prior to the due date but then you may be allowed only four weeks of leave before the actual due date. Irrespective of what position you hold in the company Compulsory maternity leave is mandatory for a period of two weeks and if you are employed in a factory then four weeks of compulsory leave is granted post natal.

Knowing the laws is a better option

Certain terms and conditions are mandatory when it comes to maternity leave law in Europe like: know your rights, statutory maternity pay, law benefits, paid vacation etc.

TIGER or Tailored Interactive Guidance on Employment Rights is a resource where you can find a detailed report about not only your rights but what your employer is expected to do for you.

Other organizations like ACAS or the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service advices you about employment issues, Citizens Advice Bureau and Labor Relations Agency provide you with free advice.