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 and paternity 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 GOV.UK 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. 

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.