Maternity and Paternity

Whether you are a serving person, partner, wife, a nervous first time father or maternity veteran it pays to know exactly what your rights are regarding maternity, paternity and adoption (MP&A) in the workplace.

Civilian?

The guidelines for maternity, paternity and adoptions rights in the workplace are constantly changing. Hence the best place for current accurate advice is ideally viewed directly from those who set policy guidelines. The Directgov website covers topics ranging from working when pregnant, statutory maternity pay and paternity leave, whilst addressing the majority of pertinent issues relating to pregnancy and your rights.

Serving and Pregnant?

Servicewomen are not entitled under law to Statutory Maternity Leave, however provision for maternity leave equating to the statutory arrangements is made by the Armed Forces Occupational Maternity Scheme (AFOMS).  Details of AFOMS are available through the Defence Intranet but essentially all Servicewomen are entitled to take up to 52 weeks of maternity leave.  Similarly, arrangements for paternity and adoption leave are published on the Defence Intranet. Routine enquiries should continue to be directed through the Divisional and Career Management organisations. Navy Command Equality and Diversity Policy Staff have the lead responsibility in the Naval Service for MP&A policy. 

Returning to Work

The question of whether or not to return to work after having a child is not an easy one. You may decide that you want to go back for financial reasons, or it may be because you like working and want the adult stimulation and social contact work can offer.

Civilian Personnel

Here are some hints and tips to aid your transition:

Your Rights...

Yes, you do have them and your maternity rights in the workplace are covered in detail within the Directgov website.

When to return?

Your employer will assume that you will take all 52 weeks of your Statutory Maternity Leave. If you take the full 52 weeks, you don’t need to give notice that you are coming back. However, it can be a good idea to do so.

If you wish to return earlier, for example, when your Statutory Maternity Pay ends, you must give at least eight weeks notice. If you don't, your employer can insist that you don’t return until the eight weeks have passed. You must tell your employer that you are returning to work early and if you want to change your return date.

If you decide not to return to work at all, you must give your employer notice in the normal way. For more detailed information again Directgov is the best place to start.

Can I have my old job back?

Yes. When you go back, your employer must try to return you to the same job that you were doing before. If this is not reasonably possible, your employers must offer you a reasonable alternative with the same status, terms and conditions, and the same type of work that you had before.

Do I have to go back full time?

Not necessarily. If you need to change your working routine after becoming a parent, you must discuss your situation and needs with your employer. Your employer is duty bound to seriously consider your request.

Service personnel?

Because of the special circumstances of Royal Navy life the Ministry of Defence has published specific Maternity Arrangements for Servicewomen in the Regular Armed Forces which is available through the Defence Intranet. In recognition of the particular challenges that may be faced by pregnant Servicewomen, the Armed Forces offer supportive arrangements to enable them to accommodate pregnancy and maternity absence within their Service careers.

The arrangements set out the provisions for maternity leave and pay, including the Armed Forces’ Occupational Maternity Scheme (AFOMS); the options available to pregnant Servicewomen, including the right to leave the Service on the grounds of pregnancy; and the actions required by pregnant Servicewomen and their Commanding Officers following confirmation of pregnancy.

Routine enquiries should continue to be directed through the Divisional and Career Management organisations. Navy Command Equality and Diversity Policy Staff have the lead responsibility in the Naval Service for Maternity, Paternity & Adoption policy.