Maternity leave bill more flexible – Unison.ie

“A NEW provision in the Maternity Bill will see the compulsory pre-confinement period of maternity leave cut by half from four weeks to two, writes Caroline Crawford.

Minister of State, Willie O’Dea said the move will create greater flexibility for women. A further change will allow breast-feeding women adjusted working hours for up to six months – an increase of two months. This brings the maternity legislation into line with National Breast-feeding Policy which recommends breast-feeding up to six months.

Announcing the changes he said: ‘These further enhancements to our maternity Protection Legislation will further strengthen the special rights and protection available to pregnant and breast-feeding employees.’ “