If your baby is born prematurely, you will be entitled to the same amount of maternity leave and pay as if your baby was born at full term. If your baby is born before the 11th week of the EWC and you have worked during the actual week of childbirth, maternity leave will start on the first day of your absence. If you have been absent from work on certified sickness before the 11th week before EWC and your baby is born during this period, maternity leave will start at the actual week of childbirth. If your baby is born prior to the 11th week before the EWC and the baby is in hospital, you may split your maternity leave entitlement, taking a minimum period of 2 weeks’ leave immediately after childbirth and the rest of your maternity leave following your baby’s discharge from hospital. You will need to discuss this with your line manager.
In the sad event that your baby is still-born after the 24th week of your pregnancy, you will still be entitled to the same amount of maternity leave and pay in accordance with this policy. You may wish to access the Trust’s Workplace Wellbeing counselling service.
In the sad event that you miscarry before the end of the 24th week, sympathetic consideration should be given to the circumstances and where necessary special leave or sick leave and pay granted as appropriate on the basis of the individual circumstances. You may wish to access the Trust’s Workplace Wellbeing counselling service.
In the sad event that your baby dies soon after the birth (from the 24th week of pregnancy) or later during your maternity leave, you will still be entitled to the same amount of maternity leave and pay, as initially notified. You will also be entitled to Child Bereavement Leave which consists of 2 weeks occupational bereavement leave. Pay is calculated based on an average of the previous 3 months salary. This can be taken any time up to 56 weeks following the baby’s death and does not have to be taken in one continuous block. You should discuss this with your line manager. They will then complete the Special Circumstances form within the Leave Policy on your behalf to be processed. The Trust’s Workplace Wellbeing counselling service is available for you to access should you wish to seek support. You can self refer or your manager can help to put you in touch if you would prefer.