Reminder of new maternity leave rules

Employers are being reminded that new rules governing non-cash benefits for employees on maternity leave have come into force.

Amendments to the Maternity and Parental Leave regulations mean that, in the case of births due on or after 5 October 2008, employers must provide all the non-cash benefits – except wages or salary – to which an employee is contractually entitled for the full duration of her maternity leave period. That is, for both the duration of ordinary maternity leave and additional maternity leave.

In other words, employers who offer such benefits as a company car or mobile phone or gym membership must make them available for up to the full 52 weeks of maternity leave.

Lawyers are urging employers to make sure that they comply with the new rules in order to avoid any claims over discrimination.