Whilst On Maternity Leave, Is It Possible To Accept Voluntary Redundancy?

The Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act 2023 aims to combat the targeting of pregnant employees and those taking maternity leave for redundancy. Starting on 6 April 2024, the Act extends the duration of time employees on family leave will be protected in case of voluntary redundancy. However, it is not lawful to make someone redundant because they are pregnant or on maternity leave, as this is considered automatic unfair dismissal and may amount to discrimination.

To ensure the protection of vulnerable employees, employers should consult with them about proposed redundancies and give as much warning as possible. Although the redundancy protected period for pregnant employees or those taking maternity leave has been extended, it is still possible to be made redundant during pregnancy, maternity, or parental leave, provided it is a genuine redundancy situation and not a “automatic unfair dismissal”.

Contrary to popular belief, an employee can be made redundant during maternity leave if there is a genuine redundancy situation. However, if an employee’s position is made redundant during her period of maternity leave, she is entitled to be offered a suitable alternative. By law, an employee on maternity leave must be treated the same as any other employee when redundancies are being considered.

In conclusion, the Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act 2023 aims to protect vulnerable employees from redundancy, particularly during pregnancy, maternity, or parental leave.

What is the best reason to extend maternity leave?

Maternity leave is crucial for women’s health and well-being during pregnancy, delivery, premature birth, or miscarriage. It allows women to focus on their health and well-being, ensuring a stress-free experience. The leave period also facilitates bonding time between mother and newborn, fostering a nurturing environment for the child’s development. Maternity leave also ensures job security, preventing termination during the leave period. It also contributes to a healthier work-life balance, aiding women’s transition back into the workforce post-childbirth. The waiting period in maternity insurance is also important.

Can I get redundancy while on maternity leave?

Employees on maternity leave can be made redundant by their employer if there is a genuine redundancy situation and proper consultation is provided. However, if there is no genuine redundancy situation and the employee is made redundant due to maternity leave, it could be unlawful maternity discrimination. The Equality Commission offers guidance on managing redundancy for pregnant and maternity leave employees in their Pregnancy and Maternity at Work guide for employers. Employees can also find information on their entitlements on the redundancy section of NI Direct’s website.

How do I ask for an extension for maternity leave?

To write a letter of extension for leave, address it to your supervisor or HR department, clearly stating the current end date and the proposed extended duration. Provide a valid reason for the extension and express gratitude for their understanding. Politely ask for an extension by scheduling a private meeting with your supervisor. Be concise and professional, state your request upfront, explain the reasons for needing the extension, and propose a new end date.

Express appreciation for their understanding and offer to discuss further if needed. For extending maternity leave, compose a formal letter to your employer or HR department, clearly state your intention to extend your leave, provide the proposed new end date, and explain the reasons for the extension if necessary. Express gratitude for their support and understanding during this time.

What is the extended maternity leave?

Extended Maternity Leave is a 30-day additional maternity leave, either without pay or with pay charged against sick or vacation leave credits, that a female employee may utilize in the event of live childbirth to extend the 150-day extended maternity leave.

Should I wait for redundancy or leave?

If you’ve been working for your employer for over two years, you might be better off waiting to be made redundant, as you’ll likely receive a redundancy payment. If you want to stay, your employer might offer you a new job. If you’re feeling poorly at work, resigning might seem like a good option. However, it’s a big step and it’s important to consider all your options. You could try a different way to solve the problem or find another job before resigning. If you decide to resign, follow these steps:

1. Check if there’s another way to solve the problem.
2. Consider whether you’d want to stay in your job if the problem was solved.
3. Ask your trade union to talk to your employer for you.

What happens if you don’t go back to work after maternity leave?

Employers cannot force women to return to work after maternity leave, but they may have to pay back some or all of their maternity pay. Many women face a dilemma between enjoying their work, advancing their careers, or simply needing money, and spending time with their newborn child. Many parents also want to return to work but find their income isn’t enough to cover full-time childcare expenses. New parents are usually not required to return to work after the baby is born. The decision to quit your job after maternity or paternity leave involves financial and legal considerations.

What are the most critical weeks of pregnancy?

The chart outlines the most common birth defects that can occur during each week, with major defects occurring between 3 to 12 embryonic/fetal weeks, or 5 to 14 gestational weeks. Minor and functional defects, including those affecting the brain, can also occur later in pregnancy. The greatest risk from harmful exposures during very early pregnancy is miscarriage. The first two weeks of embryo development are crucial for a fertilized egg to divide and attach to the uterus.

The first four weeks after the first day of the last period are called the “all or none period”, where high exposures can damage all embryo cells, leading to problems with uterine attachment and severe cell damage. Miscarriages can occur before a person even realizes they are pregnant.

Why is the 8th month critical in pregnancy?

In the 8th month of pregnancy, the baby’s weight gain is rapid, with a 230g gain per month. By week 33, the baby’s movements become smaller due to their size, and they may hiccough occasionally. Their heart rate is around 130 to 140 beats per minute. Babies born at 34 weeks or later have a good chance of survival even outside the uterine walls.

The baby has a pudgy figure with soft fingernails, and the previous thin skeletal structure has taken on a new shape with a fat layer underneath. The baby gains weight quickly, adding body fat that will help after. Most internal organs and systems are fully developed, and the lungs still need time to develop.

The baby may suck thumb, hiccough, or have distinct sleep and wakes. They respond to stimuli such as pain, light, and toenails. They also have soft body hair called lanugo and hair on their toenails.

The baby’s belly is large due to rapid growth, putting pressure on the abdomen and requiring frequent urination. The baby weighs about 1. 5 to 2. 25 kilos and is 14 inches in height. To support the baby, take rest, visit a parlor, take a massage, listen to your body, and avoid over-exertion.

What happens if you lose your job while pregnant?

Pregnant women can be fairly dismissed if the main reason for dismissal is unrelated to their pregnancy, but if it is related to pregnancy, it may result in unfair dismissal and discrimination. Reasons for dismissal may include illness, sick leave, time off for antenatal appointments, or poor performance due to pregnancy-related fatigue. Pregnancy can be physically and mentally taxing, and if a pregnant woman cannot perform her job due to illness, she may need to take sick leave.

What is the protected period in pregnancy?

The legislation safeguards individuals throughout the “protected period,” which encompasses pregnancy, maternity leave, the return to work, and the termination of employment. It is possible for discrimination to occur outside of the protected period if it is related to pregnancy or maternity. In the event of dismissal during this period, the individual in question must be provided with written justification.

Can you resign while on leave?

The Act does not prohibit employees from giving employer notice of termination while they are on leave, including sick leave. However, employers cannot insist on annual leave during notice periods and employees cannot take annual leave during notice periods. Under certain circumstances, employers may terminate a contract without notice, but this is only possible if the employer creates an intolerable working condition and the employee decides to resign and leave immediately. Giving an employer 24 hours notice is generally unlawful, and if the employee acts in this manner, the employer may sue the employee for breach of contract.