Maternity Leave Extension [Thread 614171]

Hi All,
An employee in insurance sector is on 6 month Maternity Leave, and due to join end of the month. She is now requesting for an extension of the same, even if it is leave without pay. What are the options available as hr? Please share your valuable thoughts. Thank You

Hi,
In general most of the employees proceeding on Maternity leave, request for extension of leave on ill health grounds or to take care of the baby.
If the extension of the leave is required for health reasons, the employee can make a request to the employer with a proof of this requirement, with a certificate from a medical practitioner. The employer may consider such request for extension on no work no pay basis. While the payment of salary is not necessary after the completion of 6 months maternity leave, Employer if desire to make payment, considering the loyalty or work performance of the employee, can do so magnanimously.

Section 10. Leave for illness arising out of pregnancy, delivery, premature birth of child, or
miscarriage. -- A woman suffering illness arising out of pregnancy, delivery, premature
birth of child or miscarriage shall, on production of such proof as may be prescribed, be
entitled in addition to the period of absence allowed to her under section 6, or, as the case
may be, under section 9, to leave with wages at the rate of maternity benefit for a month.
The amendments to Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 facilitates 'Work from home'.
Employee needs to share all medical reports officially in writing to have records, and ask for one month leave which is legally permitted as per Sec 10.
Sec 6 of the Act is also relevant.