New Maternity and Adoptive Leave Provisions come into Force March 1st 2007.

New employment provisions have been enforced as of 1 March 2007.

These provisions are as a result of the Maternity Protection Act, 1994 (Extension of Periods of Leave) Order 2006 and the Adoptive Leave Act, 1995 (Extension of Periods of Leave) Order 2006.

New Maternity Leave Provisions

Women who commence maternity leave on or after 1 March 2007 will be entitled to 26 weeks maternity leave which attracts a payment from the Department of Social and Family Affairs.  Prior to this date, the provision was for 22 weeks paid maternity leave.

Women who commence additional unpaid maternity leave on or after 1 March 2007 will be entitled to 16 weeks additional unpaid maternity leave.  Prior to this date, the provision was for 12 weeks additional unpaid leave.

New Adoptive Leave Provisions

Similarly, by virtue of the Adoptive Leave Act, 1995 (Extension of Periods of Leave) Order 2006:

Adopting mothers or sole male adopters who commence adoptive leave on or after 1 March 2007 will be entitled to 24 weeks adoptive leave attracting a payment from the Department of Social and Family Affairs.  Prior to this date, the provision was for 20 weeks paid adoptive leave.

Adopting mothers or sole male adopters who commence additional unpaid adoptive leave on or after 1 March 2007 will be entitled to 16 weeks additional unpaid adoptive leave.  Prior to this date, the provision was for 12 weeks unpaid leave.