Maternity Rights & Entitlements – Avril Quinn

Maternity Rights & Entitlements

Maternity rights and entitlements for employees in Ireland are not always very clear and in this article I will give you more information on this subject, once again do not hesitate to get in direct contact with me should you need further assistance.

1. How long is Maternity Leave?

From the 1^st March, 2007 a pregnant employee is entitled to 26 weeks standard maternity leave. They can also avail of an optional 16 weeks unpaid maternity leave if they wish.

2. Am I entitled to be paid while out on maternity leave?

Normally you will be entitled to a Maternity Benefit payment from Social Welfare but you will need to confirm this with the Maternity Benefit Section on lo call 1890 690 690, it will depend on the amount of social insurance contributions you have made.

The Maternity Benefit Payment Rates from January 2010 range from a minimum of €225.80 per week (for the 26 weeks) to a maximum of €270 per week (for the 26 weeks).

Under the Maternity Protection Act, there is no requirement for an employer to pay you while you are on maternity Leave or the additional leave. Some employers however do choose to pay their employees while on maternity leave, so you should check this with your Line Manager or Human Resources Department.

3. How long do I have to be employed before I can take maternity leave?

There is no minimum length of service required. Every pregnant employee is entitled to maternity leave.

4. How much notice do I have to give to my employer?

You must give at least 4 weeks written notice before the maternity leave is due to start.

5. How late into my pregnancy can I continue to work?

You must commence your maternity leave no later than 2 weeks before the week of confinement.

6. Am I entitled to pay when I attend ante-natal medical appointments during working hours?

Yes. A pregnant employee is entitled to attend all of her ante-natal medical appointments without loss of pay. She is entitled to as much time as is necessary to attend the appointment, including travel time. However, the employee must give 2 weeks written notice to her employer before the appointment.

7. Are ante-natal classes covered also?

Yes. An employee is entitled to attend ante-natal classes (except the last 3 in a set) without loss of pay. The employee must give her employer 2 weeks written notice before each absence. The employee is only entitled to as much time as is necessary to attend the classes, including travel time.

8. Is my annual leave affected if I take maternity leave?

No. Annual leave is not affected by maternity leave. Annual leave continues to accrue as normal while an employee is on both the standard 26 weeks maternity leave and the 16 weeks additional unpaid maternity leave.

10. What if my query has not been answered here?

If your query has not been answered here then you can do one or more of the following:

1.   Contact Avril Quinn for more information on email avriljquinn@resources.ie

2.   Check out: www.equality.ie

3.   Check out: http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/BirthChildrenAndFamilies/MaternityBenefit/Pages/mb.aspx which gives detailed information on different types of maternity benefit and entitlements

4.   Contact the HSE Info Line for details on HSE Maternity Services: 1850 241 850

5.   If you are a single parent and need support Treoir would be delighted to help you and you can contact them on 1890 252 084 and their website is www.treoir.ie

6.   Finally why not pamper yourself and treat yourself to the latest maternity fashions at Illusive’s Ladies Boutique, Cobh! You do deserve it!

THE CV DOCTOR – YOUR PASSPORT TO EMPLOYMENT

Avril Quinn is the founder of The CV Doctor – Your Passport to Employment – Avril has extensive experience in Human Resources and Career Coaching and is educated to Masters Degree Level.  Having worked in both the public and private sector she brings a wealth of recruitment experience and she is also a Chartered Member of the Charted Institute of Personnel & Development, UK & Ireland.

Should you need Avril’s assistance in relation to your CV and job search or any other employment related matters you can contact her using the following contact details;

The CV Doctor

Tel – 086 2356660

Email – yourcvdoctor@gmail.com

Avril also works with Resources.ie (HR, Health & Safety & Training) www.resources.ie