Free Contract-based Maternity Leave Plan Template
Contract-Based Maternity Leave Plan
Prepared by: [Your Name]
Company: [Your Company Name]
Date: [Date]
1. Introduction
This Maternity Leave Plan outlines the provisions and guidelines for contract-based employees at [Your Company Name] who are planning to take maternity leave. The purpose of this policy is to provide fair and supportive leave benefits to eligible employees while ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.
2. Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for maternity leave under this plan, employees must meet the following conditions:
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Be employed on a full-time or contract basis for at least six months prior to the expected start date of the leave.
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Notify the HR department and direct supervisor at least eight weeks before the expected start date.
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Submit a medical certificate from a licensed healthcare provider confirming the pregnancy and estimated delivery date.
3. Duration of Leave
Eligible employees are entitled to the following maternity leave:
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Paid Maternity Leave: 12 weeks, which includes six weeks before the expected due date and six weeks after childbirth.
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Unpaid Maternity Leave: Up to an additional four weeks may be granted upon request and approval from HR and the employee’s manager.
4. Leave Pay and Benefits
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Paid Leave: Employees will receive 100% of their regular salary during the 12 weeks of paid maternity leave. Payments will be made according to the regular payroll schedule.
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Unpaid Leave: During unpaid maternity leave, salary will not be provided. However, employees may retain access to certain benefits, such as health insurance, provided they pay any required premiums.
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Continued Benefits: Health insurance and other benefits, such as retirement contributions, will remain active during paid maternity leave. Employees must contact HR to arrange for benefit continuation during unpaid leave.
5. Notice Period and Documentation
Employees are required to notify their direct supervisor and HR at least eight weeks before the planned start date of their maternity leave. The following documentation must be submitted:
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A medical certificate or doctor’s note confirming the pregnancy and expected due date.
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Any additional medical documentation required for extending the leave period or addressing special conditions.
6. Job Protection and Return to Work
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Employees have the right to return to their original position or a similar role with equivalent pay and responsibilities after their maternity leave.
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Reasonable accommodations, such as flexible work hours or remote work, may be considered upon the employee's request to ease the transition back to work.
7. Leave Extension and Unpaid Leave
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Employees may request an extension of their maternity leave for up to four additional weeks. Such requests must be made in writing and submitted to HR at least two weeks before the end of the original leave period.
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Unpaid leave beyond the standard maternity leave period is subject to approval based on the needs of the employee and the organization.
8. Other Considerations
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Breastfeeding Support: Employees returning from maternity leave may request breaks for breastfeeding or pumping. A private and comfortable space will be provided for these needs.
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Flexible Work Options: Employees may discuss potential flexible work arrangements with their managers, including reduced hours or work-from-home options, to accommodate their new responsibilities.
9. Procedure for Applying for Leave
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Submit a formal leave application to HR at least eight weeks before the expected leave start date.
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Provide all necessary documentation, including a medical certificate confirming pregnancy and the expected due date.
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Confirm your return-to-work date with HR at least two weeks before the end of the maternity leave period.
