Family leave policy - including maternity and paternity

Maternity checklist for employees

When Action required
When: As soon as you know you are pregnant Action required: Tell your manager and discuss your intentions:
  • to return
  • to defer the decision
  • not to return
When: After 20 weeks pregnant Action required: Ask your doctor or midwife for a maternity certificate (Form MATB1) showing when the baby is due. This must be the original MATB1
When: During or before the 15th week before the EWC (Expected week of childbirth) Action required: Complete the appropriate Application for Maternity Leave form confirming when you intend to commence maternity leave.   Payroll will acknowledge this in writing within 28 days
When: After 29 weeks pregnant Action required: Commence maternity leave if you have chosen to do so
When: During maternity leave Action required: If you  wish to return early (before 52 weeks) then 21 days' notice is required in writing to your Manager.  The notice period is seven days during ordinary maternity leave (first 26 weeks)
When: 52 weeks from the beginning of the week in which maternity leave started Action required: Latest time by which you have a right to return to your job