LRD guides and handbook May 2013

Law at Work 2013

Chapter 8

Rights during Statutory Maternity, Adoption and Additional Paternity Leave

During statutory maternity, adoption and additional paternity leave, the employment terms of the employee taking the leave are protected, and if made redundant while on leave, there is special protection (see Chapter 11). An employee on maternity, adoption or additional paternity leave is entitled to all normal employment rights except remuneration (wages). The contractual right to wages is replaced by Statutory Maternity, Paternity, Additional Paternity or Adoption Pay, as the case may be, or by any enhanced contractual entitlement. Employees are entitled to the benefit of any pay rises and improvements to terms and conditions awarded during the leave period.