Life In The UK Test - Free Materials

New mothers and fathers

Women who are expecting a baby have a legal right to time off work for antenatal care.
They are also entitled 26 weeks maternity leave. These rights apply to full-time and parttime
workers and it makes no difference how long the woman has worked for her
employer. It is, however, important to follow the correct procedures and to give the
employer enough notice about taking maternity leave. Some women may also me entitled
to maternity pay but this depends on how long they have been working for their
employer.

Fathers who have worked for their employer for at least 26 weeks are entitled to paternity
leave, which provides up to two weeks time off from work, with pay, when the child is
born. It is important to tell your employer well in advance.

You can get advice and more information on maternity and paternity matters from the
personnel officer at work, your trade union representative or your local Citizens Advice
Bureau.

Childcare

It is Government policy to help people with childcare responsibilities to take up work.
Some employers can help with this.