Pregnancy and birth are incredibly sensitive times for any expectant or new mother, but it can be especially worrying when a baby is born prematurely. We want to be there and provide the best possible care and support to our babies, and in order to do so, we need to make our tiny tots our priority.
As any working parents will know, this can be a tricky time to navigate with our employers. While most will be flexible and helpful in any way that they can, there is no official ‘rulebook’ – which can make these situations needlessly complicated.
In light of this, we welcome Business Minister Margot James’ latest announcement that the Government is to draw up tailored guidance, to ensure employers know how to best support working mothers who give birth to premature babies.
The announcement was made in conjunction with Mother’s Day, and revealed that these new guidelines will deal with issues such as handling requests for additional time off and flexible working schedules.
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is working on the guidelines with the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Services (ACAS). Charities catering to premature babies and their parents are also being invited to share their views on best practice.
While there is a general expectation that employers would be compassionate and flexible in this situation, the aim of publishing these guidelines is to make it easier for both employers and parents to access information.
Sharing the announcement today, Minister James said: “While most employers treat their staff with compassion, it’s incredibly important that they know how best to support their staff at what can be a very difficult time for working parents.
“New and expectant mothers must feel confident of their rights in the workplace, and this new guidance will go some way to offering those reassurances.”
The UK’s maternity system is generally considered one of the most generous in the world, with eligible mothers entitled to take up to 52 weeks of leave and up to 39 weeks of pay.
Between the physical demands of caring for a premature baby, to the emotional toll it can take on the parents; everyone can do with a little extra care and compassion at this time.
If these guidelines will keep employers informed and in touch with their employees’ needs, and they make life easier for parents as a result; then this is a very welcome move indeed. What do you think, mums?
The guidelines will shortly be made available on the ACAS website.
