UNISON warns that women may not be receiving the proper maternity pay

#stuc14 Congress backed moves to better inform women about their maternity rights amidst concerns that many women returning from maternity leave feel discriminated against by employers and colleagues.

The STUC Women’s Committee will also press the NHS to give women information on their employment rights at their first ante natal appointment, and will work with the STUC Unions into Schools team to improve awareness of maternity rights amongst young people.

Supporting GMB Scotland’s motion, UNISON’s Sam Macartney told delegates maternity pay regulations were amended by a European Court of justice Ruling in 2005 yet most employers still calculate maternity pay based on regulation before this date.

Sam said, “UNISON has been encouraging branches to write to employers reminding them of the requirement to address this issue under maternity rights and in line with HMRC guidance.” This includes a backdated entitlement which employers must also calculate and pay.”

Sam highlighted that all trade unions should be making members and employers aware of this and he called on the STUC to address this issue urgently.