How to stay in touch with employees on maternity leave

Author: Katie Wood

Summary

Click on any of the hyperlinks to go to more detailed guidance below.

• Be aware that the maternity legislation provides that "reasonable contact" during maternity leave is permitted.
• Take into account that what is "reasonable" contact during maternity leave will vary according to the wishes of the individual employee, their position and the type of work that they do.
• Agree the level of contact during maternity leave, the types of issues that might be discussed, the means of contact and who will initiate it at a pre-maternity-leave interview.
• Remember that an employee is under no obligation to maintain contact during their maternity leave at the level discussed if they do not wish, or are unable, to do so.
• Offer employees on maternity leave the same opportunities for training, career development and promotion that other members of staff receive.
• Take care that contact during maternity leave does not lead to an employee feeling under pressure to return to work early or to confirm if they will be returning.
• Contact an employee on maternity leave during a redundancy or reorganisation exercise, or if there are any changes to their job.
• Remember that, in a redundancy situation, an employee on maternity leave has the right to be offered any suitable alternative job that is available.