Maternity Leave Entitlements

Pregnancy definitely is an exciting event for both men and women. First time moms though can be a bit anxious as they do not know what to expect from it. Women who are currently working while pregnant do not need to quit their job if only to take care of her child. In fact, she is to receive entitlements from the company she works for and the government as she gives birth and takes care of her new born. If an employed woman is expecting or is planning to get pregnant, she should know more about maternity leave entitlements. Women who are expecting while working at a company for 12 months or more prior to the pregnancy are entitled to maternity leave. It is important to note however that leave entitlements for expecting mothers may differ in each country. However, maternity leave entitlements in different countries are quite similar so women can expect almost similar benefits no matter where they are staying. Here are more on what a women can expect when going on a maternity leave.

• The period of time a woman can go on maternity leave varies depending on the country where she is working as each one has different maternity leave entitlements. In most countries though, both the father and the mother are entitled to 52 weeks of combined paternal leave. Often, this leave is unpaid but in some countries the woman should receive payment from her employer for the first few weeks. Women can also choose to work 10 days into their maternity leave. This is known as the "Keeping in Touch Days" and should be paid by the company you work for. This is optional though.
  
• If you are receiving certain benefits prior to your maternal leave such as discount benefits, you should continue to receive these even while you are on a leave.
  
• You can choose when your maternity leave will start. Often times, women go on leave at least 11 weeks prior to her due date. If you did not take the leave on the said period, it will automatically start a month before your delivery.
• Women should be able to return to the work they left once their maternal leave is over. You may also be offered another job but it should be one that is similar to the job position that you have. It is important to know that employers cannot dismiss you simply because you were taking a maternity leave. Should they do so, women can file a case against them for unfair dismissal. Employers should also give their employees on maternal leave important work-related information such as possible job promotions or vacancies. 
• Women are not entitled to working part-time once they have returned to work. They can, however, request their employers to grant them flexible time in order for them to be able to take care of their baby.

If you will be taking a maternal leave, it is important to give your employer a formal written letter stating your request. It should also include the date your baby is due as well as the date that you would like your leave to start. It is advisable to give the letter at least 15 weeks before your due date. The employer will then send you a letter within a month telling when the company expects you to return to work.