Agenda item

i)  Maternity Leave

ii)  Paternity Leave

iii)  Parental Leave

The Committee considered a report that sought approval of the family leave policies and procedures which had been revised since the previous meeting to take account of the comments of Members on miscarriage and stillbirth.  The policies and procedures recommended for approval were for Maternity; Paternity; and Parental Leave.

At its meeting on 12^th April 2017, the Committee had generally welcomed the plans but had requested that the provisions relating to an employee who suffered from miscarriage or stillbirth be strengthened.  The revised wording in the ‘exceptional circumstances’ sections of the Maternity and Paternity Policies and Procedures was explained.  The guidance encouraged managers to take a sympathetic and lenient approach in such sad circumstances.

Members considered the revised wording of the recommended policies and sought clarification on a number of matters and it was confirmed that the documents complied with the legislative requirements.  After due consideration, the Maternity, Paternity and Parental Leave Policies and Procedures as set out in Appendices 1, 2 and 3 to the report were approved.

Resolved –  That the Maternity, Paternity ands Parental Leave Policies and Procedures be approved, including the revised wording in the Maternity Policy and Procedure which offered further guidance to managers in the event of an employee suffering a miscarriage or stillbirth.