WHAT do you do when a person who is vital to your business tells you they’re pregnant?

The HMRC will tell you all about maternity pay http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/helpsheets/2002/e15sd.pdf

Direct gov will inform you and the employee about your rights http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/index.htm

But you want them to be happy, and if they’re good you want them to come back after maternity leave.

Your first response will have a huge impact on whether that happens. 
So, when someone you value tells you they’re pregnant:

• Share her joy – this is huge, and if you’re happy, it’ll make it easier for her
• Reassure her that you’re going to work with her and include her in decisions
• Set up regular meetings to make sure everyone’s coping
• Make sure you’re meeting your statutory obligations
• Make a plan for covering her work so the whole team is reassured that there will be continuity
• Plan her return – being as open and flexible as possible will benefit everyone.

To find out more about becoming your employment duties, contact Rachel Krys, Director of Inclusive Employers, on 020 7803 0689.