Family Friendly Q&A 2018/19

2018 Regulation Changes

Ante Natal Appointments: Unlimited appointments but up to 10 hours paid for attendance by the father/partner.

Maternity Leave: 26 weeks for all women regardless of how long they have been employed, of which 6 weeks are paid in full by the employer.

Parental Leave: 26 weeks regardless of how long they have been employed, of which 2 weeks are paid in full by the employer. The 26 weeks can be taken in 3 blocks of time.

Adoption Leave: 26 weeks regardless of how long they have been employed, of which 6 weeks are paid in full by the employer.

Flexible Working: An employee, regardless of how long they have been employed, can request changes to their contracted working hours for any reason at all. 

Existing rights that will continue to apply

Ante Natal Appointments: Unlimited paid appointments for the mother.

Right to return: The right to return to the same job after maternity/adoption leave

Complaints: Protection against detriment and dismissal for reasons relating to these rights

Discrimination: protection against discrimination on grounds of sex, pregnancy/maternity

2019 Primary Law Changes planned

Maternity/Adoption/Parental leave:  Increased to 52 weeks for all parents regardless of how long they have been employed, including 6 weeks paid for all parents.

Surrogacy Provisions: Leave equivalent to parental leave for the intended parents in a surrogacy arrangement.

Pre-adoption Appointments:  Time off for parents to attend appointments in relation to the intended adoption.

Breastfeeding:  The right to reasonable breaks and workplace facilities.

Paid Absence:  On the grounds of health and safety for a pregnant or breastfeeding employee.