Proposed Maternity, Paternity & Adoption Policy

Why? Trend in Government legislation has been increasing “family friendly rights” Spirit of the legislation encourages and supports new parents to bond with their child. General move towards contributing to a greater awareness of parents’ needs in the workplace Real debate over effective work-life balance UK Fire Service has specific problem in the recruitment & retention of women.

Why? Pregnancy often a time when women re-evaluate their options The cost of losing a competent, skilled employee is always high. Employee turnover costs include – recruitment, selection, training, development Research demonstrates that the treatment women receive during pregnancy affect the likelihood of their return to work. Early return to work due to financial constraints could have detrimental effect on well being of parents and children

Benefits to the Organisation Retain the unique skills and experience of women in our workplace Cut the cost and added work of further recruitment and training Build a reputation as an employer of choice for women Build loyalty among existing female employees who appreciate the commitment Parents return with the confidence to manage their childcare = less disruption

Benefits to the family unit Research shows that infants become attached to adults who are sensitive and responsive in social interactions with them and who remain as consistent caregivers for some time Bonding is a gradually unfolding experience that can take hours, days, weeks, or months to develop – not all mothers have the nurturing instinct from birth. Offers time to deal with post-birth or health problems that tend to occur more with babies Allows regular health screening/development clinics to be attended

Benefits to the family unit Confidence building in management of the child Network with other mothers – share experience, establishes support network Less strain on the family unit

Notification Assignment of a Family Liaison Officer Confidential point of contact Consistency of treatment Clinician - able to assist in making an informed decision

Ante Natal Care Routine medical appointments Ante natal classes – birthing, parentcraft Fitness activities Clinical appointments eg scans for partners – important in support

Adoption / Fertililty Adoption – time off for placement and match meetings Fertility treatment - time off for hospital appointments - 2 weeks paid leave following embryo implantation

Working Arrangements Full consultation with the employee regarding her working arrangements in conjunction with Occupational Health (Family Liaison Officer) – the employer should not assume “they know best” or that “one size fits all”

Maternity Benefits Legislation – 52 weeks leave with full contractual benefits Maternity Pay - less than 12 months continuous service as per statutory entitlement (90% salary for 6 weeks, statutory maternity pay 33 weeks @ £117.18) - more than 12 months continuous service 39 weeks full pay 13 weeks half pay Employees must return to work for a minimum of 3 months to retain the enhanced benefits.

Keeping in touch Frequency and method of contact to be agreed between employer and employee prior to commencement of maternity leave Employees to be sent routine orders to ensure they are kept informed of any promotion or career opportunities “Keeping in Touch” days – legislation allows up to 10 KIT days for mothers on maternity leave to refresh or update their skills or to just keep in touch with the work of the department. Employees to agree these with the employer – full pay to be paid for these days. Employees to be encouraged to take advantage of these.

Returning to work All employees have a right to request flexible working, each case will be considered based on the feasibility of the request. There is not an automatic right to work flexibly Employees who return to work on a phased basis will only receive payment for the hours they work Meeting to be arranged on return to work to assess any re-training/development needs

Indicative Cost Implications Cost per employee Existing Proposed Grade 3 5865 13591 Grade 4 6350 15529 Grade 5 6911 17768 Grade 6 7531 20242

Thank you Any Questions?