Maternity Policy - Advice from HR/Employment Law people appreciated!

[WalkOnBy]

Hi there,

Does anyone know if my employer is legally obliged to provide us with a written maternity policy? I work for a very small company (only 10 employees) and I am the only girl here so its not been an issue.

It worries me that I might be leaving myself vulnerable for the time when I do leave to have a baby and I just wondered whether I should get something in place now.....

I have worked here for 4 years so would hope to be able to negotiate something more generous than the minimum, also if anyone has any ideas on this that would be great. I wouldnt know where to start with drawing a document like this up but I think it will be down to me to do as I am the office manager and look after all that kind of thing.

Thanks so much and hopefully someone can help! Its stressing me out!

No, they don't have to have a policy. With 10 employees, it would be pretty standard not to.

In terms of leave, your rights are set out by law but, as regards pay, I think you'll have to negotiate it. They might not want to draw up a policy, but just discuss it with you personally. If you are the only woman at the company, I think it might look a bit like you are trying to set up your own situation if you start raising things now and suggesting a draft (although I am sure your intention would be to benefit any future female employees too). To be brutally honest, I'd try and budget on statutory only and then negotiate like made if and when the time comes.

Hi RibenaBerry thanks for your response. I think you are right, we do actually have a new girl starting next month but I know what you mean about trying to set up my own situation. I do want to negotiate something and if I manage to then do I just need to get a letter from them stating what we've agreed?

Thanks!

like 'mad' that should obviously have said...

Yes, just get them to confirm anything you do agree. A letter or email would be fine.