Issue - meetings

12 June 2024

Local Joint Consultative Committee

The Joint Committee noted the changes made to the policy after the introduction of changed legislation relating to pregnancy and maternity, which protect those who have taken maternity leave from the day on which the employer was notified of the pregnancy to 18 months after the date of the child’s birth.  It was also noted that the childcare vouchers scheme had ended in 2018 and no new applicants could be considered.

The Joint Committee asked that the policy be separated for still birth and miscarriage.  There was concern regarding the ambiguity of the difference between still birth and miscarriage, especially when a miscarriage occurred later in a pregnancy.  It was proposed by Councillor M Radulovic MBE and seconded by K Dawson that the wording of the policy be changed to “the Chief Executive is to have discretion in cases of miscarriage in conjunction with Human Resources”.  On being put to the meeting the amendment was carried unanimously.

          RECOMMENDED to Cabinet that the Maternity Leave Scheme be approved, including the following amendment “the Chief Executive is to have discretion in cases of miscarriage in conjunction with Human Resources.”

On 6 April 2024, the Government introduced changes to legislation relating to Pregnancy and Maternity. Members considered the changes to legislation which involved employees taking certain types of parental leave now had protection from redundancy for at least 18 months.

RESOLVED that the Maternity Leave Scheme be approved, including the following amendment “the Chief Executive is to have discretion in cases of miscarriage in conjunction with Human Resources.”

Reason

The Council must demonstrate preparation for and compliance with the requirements of the new legislation in addition to compliance with existing requirements.  If this is not implemented correctly, it could leave the Council open to legal challenge.