LEGAL RIGHTS FOR NEW AND EXPECTANT MOTHERS

RMT has produced a new guide for representatives on legal rights for new and expectant mothers. The guide is intended to provide information on essential legal rights relating to pregnancy, maternity and new mothers and indeed fathers. Included are issues relating to health and safety and the importance of risk assessments; maternity leave and pay; and, the problems confronting those who wish to work flexibly on their return to work. For those who encounter problems on flexible working requests, a model grievance letter is included as one of the appendices. The booklet has been designed to provide reps with quick and understandable access to this complicated area of legal rights. The guide also advises if a legal remedy is available when rights have been infringed and what the time limits are in relation to employment tribunal proceedings. Reps need to be mindful that the booklet sets out statutory minimum rights so it is always worth checking what a company’s policies are. It may be the case that they are more generous than the statutory minimums outlined in this guide. For example, maternity pay may be higher. A copy of this booklet is available from Unity House and is being sent to all first and second stage reps and will appear on the RMT website shortly. For more information contact pat Wilkinson at Unity House or E-mail: p.wilkinson@rmt.org.uk RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: september 2009 :: RMTnews 25 RMT produces a reps’ guide for parents from pregnancy to flexible working A reps guide to legal rights for new and expectant mothers NATIONAL UNION OF RAIL, MARITIME & TRANSPORT WORKERS LEGAL RIGHTS FOR NEW AND EXPECTANT MOTHERS