Extending Maternity Leave: Can Sick and Earned Leave Be Used for Extra Time?

Dear All,

Our lady staff member has completed her maternity leave, and after the 12-week expiry, she is further extending her leave. She has sick leave (SL) and earned leave (EL) available. Is it possible to adjust her extended leave to cover sick leave and earned leave? Please provide advice.

Regards,
S. Mahadevan

You can permit her to take her PL in combination with maternity leave. SL can also be taken provided she is actually sick. As per the Maternity Benefit Act, she can take one more month of paid leave in continuation of maternity leave of 12 weeks if she is suffering from any problem in connection with delivery, and for this, only a certificate from her doctor is sufficient. This means she can take around 16 weeks of leave without utilizing her PL and SL balances in the company. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with granting her PL or SL in addition to the 12 weeks of leave already availed.

Regards,
Madhu.T.K