Seeking Guidance on HR Policies for Female Retail Workers: Maternity Leave and Conditions

Dear All,

Please guide me on HR policies for female employees working in the shop (Retail industry), including policies like Maternity leave and working conditions.

Regards,
Monika Ghogale

Dear Monika,

As per the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961, a female employee is entitled to take 12 weeks of leave, i.e., 6 weeks before the delivery and 6 weeks after the delivery. However, the female employee is entitled to receive the maternity benefits only if she has completed 160 days in that company within a year.

Regarding work timings, after delivery, the female is also entitled to have an additional two 30-minute breaks to take care of the child. The general working hours for females should be between 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. No female employee should work after 9:00 pm until 7:00 am.

Best regards,

Mahavir Singh
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Dear Monika,

In the retail sector, whether it be female employees working in malls or outlets/stores at malls, they do not have separate HR policies. They are governed by and entitled to all benefits applicable to other sectors.

Regards