Family Leave Policy

Family Leave Policy 

Last Reviewed : 09/05/2024

Next Review Date : 09/05/2026

Purpose

HDS supports employees in balancing work and family responsibilities and complies with all statutory family leave and pay requirements under UK employment law.

This policy covers maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental leave, and related rights.

Maternity Leave

Employees are entitled to maternity leave and statutory maternity pay (SMP) in accordance with legislation.

Maternity leave may last up to 52 weeks. Statutory maternity pay is paid where eligibility criteria are met, at the prevailing statutory rates.

Employees are required to notify their Line Manager of their pregnancy and intended maternity leave dates in line with statutory notice requirements.

Pregnancy Risk Assessments

Once notified of a pregnancy, we will carry out a pregnancy risk assessment. This will be reviewed as required if work activities, conditions, or health circumstances change. Employees must inform their manager of any concerns relating to health and safety.

Paternity Leave

Eligible employees may take up to two weeks’ paternity leave, which can be taken as:

• one block of two weeks, or

• two separate one-week blocks.

Paternity leave must be taken within 52 weeks of the child’s birth or placement for adoption. Statutory paternity pay (SPP) is paid where eligibility criteria are met.

Employees must provide notice and complete a self-certification form confirming eligibility, in line with statutory requirements.

Adoption Leave

Eligible employees adopting a child are entitled to statutory adoption leave and pay under the same framework as maternity leave. Notice requirements apply in line with legislation.

Shared Parental Leave

Eligible parents may choose to share up to 50 weeks of leave and up to 37 weeks of pay between them under the Shared Parental Leave scheme, subject to statutory eligibility and notice requirements.

Time Off for Antenatal Appointments

Employees are entitled to reasonable unpaid time off to accompany a pregnant partner (or surrogate) to up to two antenatal appointments, each lasting no more than 6.5 hours.

Pay and Benefits During Family Leave

During statutory family leave, contractual benefits (excluding salary) continue in line with legislation, including:

• annual leave accrual

• pension contributions (subject to scheme rules)

Return to Work

Employees returning from statutory family leave are entitled to return to the same role on the same terms and conditions, subject to statutory provisions.

Data Protection

Any personal data processed under this policy will be handled in accordance with the Company’s Data Protection and GDPR policies

Review

This policy will be reviewed every two years, or sooner if required due to legislative or business changes