Maternity Leave
Maternity Leave
Under General Order 5.35.1 and 5.35.2
Leave of absence up to a limit of four months may be granted to officers or employees holding permanent appointments who are expectant mothers. This leave is granted on half pay. In cases where the officer is, however, entitled to National Insurance maternity benefits, the half pay should be reduced by the amount of maternity benefits payable under the National Insurance Scheme. No salary should be paid in respect of such maternity leave to any officer who has already been granted such leave in respect of three pregnancies. Each application for such leave shall be supported by a certificate (of expected/actual confinement) from a medical practitioner.
Officers or employees holding temporary appointments may be granted maternity leave of up to four months on no-pay leave after a period of not less than twelve months’ continuous service - The Employment of Women (Maternity Leave) Act.
When submitting requests for maternity leave to Personnel Administration Division, officers must forward the request under cover of Form 'B' and ensure that:-
• The application form has been fully and accurately completed.
• Accurate information on the status of the applicant (whether temporary, contractual or permanent) is provided.
• Medical certificate of expected/actual confinement is attached.
In the case of contract officers, the full period is granted without pay and the contract extended to cover the period of maternity leave granted.