Associate Handbook 2018

the EWC

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The Associate should also ensure that she encloses form MATB1 when she provides these details or as soon as she receives it from her Midwife.

Starting Maternity Leave

The earliest date an Associate can start maternity leave is 11 weeks before the EWC (unless the child is born prematurely before that date).

The Associate must notify the Company of the intended start date in accordance with the paragraphs above. The Company will then write to the Associate within 28 days to inform the Associate of the date the Company will expect the Associate to return to work if she takes her full entitlement to maternity leave. The Associate can postpone or bring forward her intended start date by informing the Company in writing at least 28 days before the original intended start date, or if that is not possible, as soon as reasonably practicable. If the Associate is absent for a pregnancy-related reason during the 4 weeks before the EWC, she must let us know as soon as possible in writing. Maternity leave will be triggered unless both parties agree to delay it. If the Associate gives birth before her maternity leave was due to start, she must let the Company know the date of the birth in writing as soon as possible as Maternity leave will commence from that day.

The law prohibits the Associate from working during the 2 weeks following childbirth.

Ordinary Maternity Leave (“OML”)

OML will last for the first 26 weeks of maternity leave.

Additional Maternity Leave (“AML”)

AML will begin at the end of the OML and lasts for a further 26 weeks.

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)

SMP will last for 39 weeks and is inclusive of any Lockton enhanced payment. This is applicable to women with 26 weeks length of service at the 15 th week before the baby is due. Those with less service may be entitled to maternity allowance.

Returning to work after Maternity Leave

If an Associate wishes to return to work before the end of the OML or AML period, she must give the Company at least 8 weeks advance written notice specifying the date of her proposed return. If an Associate fails to give the required notice the Company can delay her return work until the earlier of 8 weeks from the notice and the end of her OML or AML period.