Q. Is it true that I cannot contact an employee during their period of maternity leave?

One of our employees is shortly due to go onto maternity leave. We have been talking about what developments might happen during their leave but someone has said I cannot contact them during their leave.

A.This is not true.

Employers can and should keep in contact with employees on maternity leave. This is especially important when it comes to sharing information that directly affects the employee’s job, such a potential redundancy or a TUPE transfer.

It is good practice to agree beforehand with the employee how this contact should take place and it is important to be sensitive to an employee’s circumstances and preferences.