PART 2FAMILY ABSENCE FOR MEMBERS OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES

I124Maternity absence

1

A member of a local authority is entitled to a period of absence (“maternity absence”) if the member satisfies prescribed conditions as to maternity.

2

The period of maternity absence to which the member is entitled is to be calculated in accordance with regulations.

3

The regulations must not provide for a period of maternity absence to exceed 26 weeks.

4

Regulations must include provision for determining when maternity absence may be taken.

5

Regulations may allow a member to choose, subject to prescribed restrictions, the date on which a period of maternity absence starts.

6

Regulations may prescribe circumstances in which a member of a local authority, or the local authority, may—

a

bring a period of maternity absence to an end, or

b

cancel a period of maternity absence.