§ Mrs. RocheTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what maternity and paternity entitlements are available to employees within her Department. [27287]
§ Mr. SackvilleFemale staff within the Department have the following maternity entitlements:
- i. paid time off to attend ante-natal appointments;
- ii. paid maternity leave of three months and one week;
- iii. unpaid maternity leave up to a maximum of 52 weeks, inclusive of any period of paid maternity leave;
- iv. an unpaid career break of up to five years.
Where a member of staff does not satisfy the conditions for paid leave, she may take a period of unpaid leave.
Male staff, except those on temporary appointments of less than two years, are entitled to two days' paid paternity leave; extra leave may be allowed where there are special difficulties.