Maternity pay and conditions

Conference is disappointed to have to raise this once again, the subject of the basic levels of maternity pay provided in most UK Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs). The issue of discrepancies across UK FRSs in the financial provision within maternity policies is extreme. In an FRS where the basic or statutory minimum pay is provided, women lose 10% of their pay as soon as they commence maternity leave. This only lasts for 6 weeks when they lose a further 40% going onto half pay for the rest of their ordinary maternity leave, which is usually 33 weeks.

Several FRSs have negotiated improved policies for pregnant staff and have used the NWC FBU Model Policy: Negotiating Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Rights, as a basis for negotiations. Many FRS women and families have benefitted from this. If women are truly valued in the FRS community, then pregnancy and maternity needs to be revisited and better financial provision should be at the heart of every FRS policy.

Conference calls on the Executive Council, with support from the NWC, to immediately enter into negotiations with our employers to update and increase the minimum maternity pay and to also update the wording in the Grey Book, to include legislative changes, terminology, changes to parental leave and the inclusion of fertility treatment. This would provide the opportunity to have a more consistent and fair approach to maternity and related topics for all our Members.