Question:

I have a Hair Salon. My senior hairdresser is pregnant & her due date is in about 6 weeks. She wants to work till 2 weeks before her due date, but I feel she is unable to fulfill her duties as hairdressing can be physical. She says that she can’t afford to go on maternity leave earlier, but I feel I can’t afford to let her work longer than that, as it happened that we had to cancel a whole days appointments recently because of possible complications after a very busy day. Can I force her to go on maternity leave or not?

Answer:

Yup, the law is strict on pregnancy. She needs to go off 1 month prior to expected date and return 3 months after delivery. Give her a letter informing her that she will embark on leave on (date being 1 month before due date) and must contact you after the birth so that you can arrange a return date. She may return to work earlier than the 3 months on agreement with you and if she is fine to do so.

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