Maternity leave cover 'good for staff and employers'
25-06-2008
Covering maternity leave could prove beneficial for both employers and employees, the director of interim management at HR specialist Chiumento has suggested.
Graham Bird told the Guardian that although this will initially be a temporary role, stepping in to cover for someone on maternity leave may help those looking to commit to one employer.
"The employee gets to look at the company and the job and the employer gets to take a long look at the quality and experience of the person taking the role," he argued.
In addition, Mr Bird noted that a temporary worker will be in an advantageous position if the permanent employee does not return, while those looking to gain experience or a foot in the door in a particular industry could also benefit.
Mothers are currently entitled to a statutory maternity leave of 52 weeks, 39 weeks of which is paid at a basic level.