Employee Shareholder Status: Maternity leave and flexible working

From October 2013, the government intends to introduce a new employment status — Employee Shareholder Status — despite virtually universal opposition. In return for at least £2,000 of shares in the employer, a participating employee must give up a number of statutory employment rights and will have to give longer notice of intention to return early from maternity or adoption leave. The normal requirement to give 8 weeks’ notice will be replaced for these employees by a requirement to give at least 16 weeks’ notice. They will also give up the right to request flexible working and time off to train. For more information see Chapter 2.