The law grants employees a wide range of entitlements and protection in relation to family rights, which include time off and pay.

There are the standard entitlements, for example, maternity leave, adoption leave, shared parental leave, flexible working and paternity leave. If you take statutory leave, your employer should have a policy governing your rights and obligations, and this should be your starting point. 

When taking the leave, there are often certain notification steps that you need to take. 

We are regularly required to advise individuals who have been subjected to less favourable treatment because they have taken statutory leave.  The law provides protection against this, but we appreciate that this time in your life can be stressful enough. Often we are asked to assist women who have taken maternity leave and whose employment ends either during or shortly after their maternity leave.

Most people now know their basic rights, so it's often the more complex cases that we are asked to assist with, as these often involve discrimination. If you have been subjected to less favourable treatment because you have taken statutory leave, our expert employment lawyers will be able to advise you on what you can do and your options.