Probably cost you more in debating the issue with her than to let the test go ahead, eric.

freelance, cantona's said that they're a User and these tests tend to come round every couple of years so, for me, 6 months isn't worth fretting over. It's a voucher system too. Dirt cheap.

Also, issue of actually being involved in the DSE activities doesn't quite apply as new employees should have the test before they take up duties.

Yes, I also think asking them to wait till nearer return to work date would be a good way to go.

The discrimination warning light has just come on on the dash...

Forget about the fact that this person is on maternity leave, she's an employee, a DSE user and requires the test.

I presume the voucher will allow her to choose when she would like to attend the eyesight test?

I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest that she'll have non-work related issues on her mind at the moment.

Be a good employer, talk to HR and see if they can't come up with a reason why you're not allowed send a card.

I'd wait till she comes back. She might not. Save yourself £20.
I wouldn't class her as a regular user when she's not working.

Currently employed but not working on DSE. No need for eye test at present, although as previous posters have said if this is to become a source of poor employee relations maybe the minimal cost is worth bearing.

The next question will be "do I have to pay for glasses etc..." which is where I would be very firm and say "take a retest when you return to DSE use and get your prescription correct at that time."

i had a similar issue a few years ago with a colleague who was on maternity leave whose first aid certificate would run out. It might not be the case now but when I asked our HR people if I could contact the employee to see if they would like to renew their certificate I was told that it wasn't allowed as they were on maternity leave.

My advice to you would be to seek advice from an HR professional. The last thing you would want to do would be to be accused of harassing an employee whilst on leave.
regards
Yul

All ladies on Maternity Leave have equal rights to others.

If the lady in question is going to use DSE on her KIT (Keeping In Touch) days, then I would definitely give her a voucher.

Her Line Manager should have regular contact with her during the maternity leave, to ensure a smooth return to work, so perhaps talk to them about it.

I'd also check the published procedure on eye tests, and previous internal precedents. It may be history has decided for you.

I would issue it, it's only an eye test voucher, what's the difference between her and the other numerous people we issue vouchers to who then put it in their office drawer and never use it or lose it en route home. It's only one voucher in the grand scheme of things.