Posted By John Mulhern Most expectant mothers in our organisation want to take all of their maternity leave entitlement AFTER giving birth, if risk assessment shows that their is a risk to mother/feotus (say 3 months before delivery date) can the employer insist that maternity leave should commence before the birth occurs?, thanks for any comments.

Posted By Peter Lee Yes you can adjust the working conditions, offer suitable alternative work at the same rate of pay or suspend her from work on paid leave. Have a look at New and Expectant mothers at work A guide for employers HSG 122.

Posted By phil day John If your risk assessment shows that there is a risk to the mother or uvorn child that you cannot remove. Then you need to consider other types of work, reduced hours etc. if you still cant remove the risks then you need to suspend on maternity grounds on full pay. The lady will have an expected week of confinement. If she goes sick (on a pregnancy related issue) then this triggers maternity leave within 4 weeks of expected confinement