There has been some new advice published this month for employers to help assist them in supporting employees who have given birth to premature or sick babies.
The new advice from ACAS includes:
• ensuring compassion and sensitivity in all communications;
• ensuring discretion – finding out from parents what they are happy for colleagues to know with regards to their situation.
• ensuring employees are aware of statutory entitlements to leave, such as shared parental leave; and
• trying to be flexible in allowing time off when parents return to work to give time for any follow up appointments or treatment for the baby.
Business Minister Margot James said:
“Working parents deserve support at work, and those who have premature babies should expect nothing less than total backing from their employers at what can be an exceptionally difficult and worrying time.”
Written by
Rachael Jessop
18th September 2017