Struggling Startup Owner Seeks Advice on Handling Maternity Leave Costs Amid Losses

Dear friends, I am a startup owner with 25 employees and still struggling to reach breakeven in my business. During the recent year, I have been facing losses year after year but sustaining (as they say, never quit) anyhow in hope of making a successful business in the future.

Maternity Benefits Dilemma

One of the employees recently is seeking maternity benefits for her second child. As I am already neck-deep in losses, I am unable to figure out how to bear the cost of her maternity leave of 6 months. Is there any way we can deal with this situation without further losses, or may we pay her in the future when we have funds?

Looking forward to some feedback.

Dear Sam,

It is purely governed by the Maternity Benefit Act, and I'm sorry to say, but it is difficult to escape. First, check the eligibility as well. 80 days of working in the last 12 months.

Dear Entrepreneur, I understand your concern. However, I would like to know about ESIC. Have you not covered her under ESIC if she is eligible? If yes, most of your problems would have been solved. If you have not, please examine whether there are any possibilities to address this issue.