Employment Rights

Through the kind support of Russell Jones and Walker Solicitors, the NCT is able to offer the following articles and PDFs on parental rights and returning to work.

Maternity rights

This fact sheet will help you to understand your maternity rights at work if you are having a baby. As the laws on maternity entitlements are complex, this fact sheet can only offer a simple guide to the basics. It is always worth seeking specialist legal advice about your own particular situation.

See also our FAQ on maternity leave.

Family leave

Most people are aware of the entitlement to maternity leave, however the right to paternity leave and time off to deal with unexpected or emergency situations involving your dependants is less well known. This fact sheet tells you more about your rights to paternity and family leave.

Health & safety issues for pregnant women in the workplace

Mothers-to-be, new mothers and breastfeeding women have important legal rights in the workplace. This fact sheet gives an overview of this special protection and the considerable responsibilities it places on employers.

For many parents and carers for children returning to work after  absence on maternity or other family leave, working hours and arrangements can be a key concern. This is a time when youmay want to consider changes to hours and arrangements, such as a transfer to part time working, a change of location or home working. (See also the New Gen article below on returning to work.)

Paternity leave

New fathers or the partners of new mothers may be entitled to one or two weeks statutory paternity leave, which may be paid. They may also have the right to paternity leave under the terms of their contract of employment.