Maternity Protection Bill 2024
Here at S&G Work Solutions, we aim to keep you updated on new bills that could affect your workplace and hopefully, we are making you aware of new Government proposals, allowing you to think about how they may affect your workplace.
The Maternity Protection Bill 2024 is a piece of proposed legislation in the UK aimed at improving maternity rights and protections for employees. The bill is likely to build on existing laws, such as the Maternity and Parental Leave etc. Regulations 1999, and address some gaps or challenges identified in the current system.
Although the specifics of the bill might evolve as it moves through the legislative process, common objectives for such bills include:
Key Features Likely to Be Included in the Bill
Extended Paid Maternity Leave:
A proposal to increase the duration of paid maternity leave beyond the current statutory period of 39 weeks, which is a mixture of maternity allowance or statutory maternity pay (SMP). For example, it could introduce more weeks of full or partial pay, or create a more flexible leave structure.
Improved Parental Leave:
Enhanced shared parental leave options that allow both parents to take time off to care for a new child, with increased flexibility and more pay during the leave period.
Better Protection Against Discrimination:
Strengthening protections for pregnant employees and those on maternity leave from discrimination in the workplace, ensuring they are not penalised for taking maternity leave or for their pregnancy status.
Increased Pay for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP):
An increase in the amount of statutory maternity pay (SMP) or an expansion of eligibility criteria for employees to qualify for full SMP. Currently, the weekly SMP is capped, so some workers, especially those with lower wages, may receive less than their usual earnings.
Flexible Return-to-Work Options:
Greater flexibility for mothers (and fathers) when returning to work after maternity leave, including a legal right to request part-time work, remote work, or more flexible hours to support the balance between work and childcare responsibilities.
Support for Small Employers:
The introduction of additional financial support or incentives for small businesses to help with the costs of maternity leave, ensuring that smaller employers can better accommodate the leave entitlements without significant financial strain.
Paternity Leave and Support for Fathers:
The bill could extend paid paternity leave, increase the amount of time fathers can take off to care for a newborn or offer greater flexibility in how they can use their leave.
Improved Health and Safety Protections:
Strengthening workplace health and safety provisions for pregnant employees to ensure that they are not placed in hazardous or unsafe working conditions during their pregnancy.
Universal Coverage for Self-Employed Workers:
Expanding maternity protections to include self-employed workers, freelancers, and gig economy workers, who currently do not receive the same statutory maternity benefits as employees.
Why the Bill Is Important
The UK has made progress in improving maternity rights, but there are still gaps, particularly around ensuring that all workers, including those in non-traditional or low-paid roles, can access decent maternity protection. The 2024 bill would be a step toward addressing these disparities and enhancing maternity protections in a changing work environment.
Timeline and Next Steps
As of now, the bill is still in the early stages of development, and it will likely be debated in Parliament in the coming months. The bill would need to pass through several readings, committee stages, and public consultations before becoming law.
Once passed, it could significantly impact workplace policies and the ability of workers, particularly women, to balance career and family life. If you have any employees that this could affect please get in touch with Gemma and she can talk you through the relevant steps.