Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what provisions are made available to (i) departmental staff and (ii)
employees of executive agencies under the control of his Department, for (a) maternity leave, (b) maternity pay, (c) paternity
leave, (d) parental leave, (e) flexible working hours, (f) part-time work, (g) job sharing, (h) leave to care for sick children, (i)
home-working, (j) term-time contracts, (k) annual hours contract, (l) child care allowances, (m) careers' leave and (n) career break
schemes; and what criteria are used to judge eligibility in each case. [108847]
Dr. Moonie: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to her by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, on 15
February 2000, Official Report, columns 519-22W.
The following provisions exist for Departmental staff and staff working in executive agencies of the Ministry of Defence:
(a) Maternity Leave 18 weeks for all women in accordance with the Maternity and Parental Leave Etc. Regulations 1999. Those with at
least one year's established service may have a further period of unpaid leave up to an overall total of 52 weeks.
(b) Maternity Pay Women who have completed 26 weeks service by the 15th week before the expected date of confinement qualify for
statutory maternity pay for 18 weeks. Women who have at least one year's established service will in addition qualify for
occupational maternity pay which guarantees them full pay for the 18 weeks.
(c) Paternity Leave Five days special paid leave at or about the time of their baby's birth. All staff qualify except casual staff.
(d) Parental Leave 13 weeks unpaid leave for each parent after one year's service and for each child born or adopted on or after 15
December 1999, in accordance with the maternity and Parental Leave Etc. Regulations 1999.
(e) Flexible Working Hours Flexible Working Hours schemes are operated widely, and their use is encouraged. There are no specific
eligibility requirements save that there should be no adverse effect on the efficiency of the Department.
(f) Part-time work This is encouraged, subject to the needs of the particular post. There are no specific eligibility requirements.
(g) Job-sharing This is encouraged, subject to the needs of the particular post. There are no specific eligibility requirements
although job share partners would need to be compatible given the nature of this working arrangement.
(h) Leave to care for sick children Special leave, either paid or unpaid, may be granted for the care of sick children in accordance
with the Employment Relations Act 1999 (right to time-off for dependants).
(i) Home-working Home-working is available as an alternative working pattern subject to the needs of the organisation, the equipment
required, security implications and health and safety.
(j) Term-time contracts This is encouraged, subject to the needs of the particular post. There are no specific eligibility
requirements.
(k) Annual hours contract These are available where irregular hours are a key feature of the post.
(l) Child care allowances No formal child care "allowances" are currently provided. Financial support is given through subsidised
workplace nursery places and places in holiday playschemes.
(m) Career Break Scheme Career breaks may be offered for a period of up to five years. Applicants must have a good work and
attendance record.
(n) Career Leave Up to three years special unpaid leave is available to pursue a course of study of benefit to the MOD and the
future career of the officer concerned.