Attwells Solicitors has been featured on ITV News, providing expert legal insight into a growing push for mothers diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy or shortly after giving birth to be able to delay their maternity leave.
In the report, Lloyd Clarke, Partner and Head of Employment Law at Attwells Solicitors, highlighted the lack of flexibility within current maternity leave legislation. The segment explored how women undergoing cancer treatment are often forced to spend their maternity leave undergoing treatment, without the option to pause or defer their leave.
Lloyd Clarke explained:
“One current option is for mothers to take parental leave for up to 18 weeks’. Unfortunately, it’s not really a viable option for most parents because it is unpaid, and it does not provide a suitable alternative to extending or delaying maternity leave, which the law currently does not allow.”
The ITV News report follows the story of mothers like Beth Dedman, who underwent months of treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma during her maternity leave, missing out on valuable time bonding with her newborn child.
The feature also highlighted growing calls from campaign groups, including Mummy’s Star, for legislative reform to allow mothers in these circumstances to delay their maternity leave until after treatment has concluded.
Nick Attwell, founder and CEO of Attwells Solicitors said:
“We are proud to contribute to this important national conversation. The current legal framework does not allow for the deferral of maternity leave, meaning some women with cancer are made to choose between treatment and time with their baby. a. Allowing mothers to delay their maternity leave for up to a year would provide more flexibility and enjoys cross-party support.”
The Government has confirmed that the issue is under review as part of its wider parental leave consultation, with potential reforms expected to be considered in the coming year.
For more information please watch the video below. If you would like any employment law advice or support please call 01206 766333.
