Maternity Policy

What is a maternity policy and when should you use it?

This template includes all the statutory requirements, as well as optional elements for you to consider.

It applies to all employees.

It does not apply to other workers or self-employed contractors.

It is the most detailed of all the Plugged employment policies.

That’s because there are a number of maternity rights under Irish employment law, and each type needs to be accurately described here so it can be understood and the procedures relating to it can be easily applied by you and your employees.

It is really important that you read this policy document carefully and that you are prepared to put in place the arrangements that you are legally obliged to make.

Almost all the rights covered by this policy apply to each period of pregnancy and subsequent leave and not to each baby.

This means, for example, that the rights covered and the periods of leave for twins (or more) are the same as those for just one baby.

We recommend that you do not give this policy contractual status in any employment contract that you put in place – but that you  reference it in that contract and make it clear that the employee is expected to comply with the policy and that you have the right to update or revise it, in your discretion and when you want to.

What else might you need?

For more information on maternity leave and the rights that apply to employees, take a look at our maternity rights booklet

This is a great guide to share with your employees.

And for details on other types of leave check out our guides and templates to family-friendly working.

These are a great starting point and cover topics such as handling parental leave, flexible working, and equal opportunities and diversity.