Managing Maternity in Small Firms

Managing Maternity in Small Firms is a research project funded by the European Social Fund which examines the support available to help small firms manage staff during pregnancy and after childbirth. The projects ultimate aim is to develop an Action Plan or Strategy to help small firms manage maternity and reduce pregnancy discrimination.

“We want the Managing Maternity project to show the way forward for SMEs,” explains Project Manager, Natalie Sappleton, “especially with the new legislation which came in force in April 2007. This sort of survey has never really been done before, so the coping strategy formulated will be beneficial to families as well as businesses.”

Survey

The bulk of the project is in the form of a detailed consultation with 10 businesses, 10 pregnant or female employees, and 10 business advice organisations. Natalie says there are 3 stages to the project.

“First of all, there is the recruitment, attracting people to take part in a survey. Then there is the draft strategy – which will ideally be a downloadable document to read and comment on. Finally, the dissemination and roll out of the strategy, and putting our findings into practice.”

Benefits

The project will benefit small business employers and family employees in many ways. First and foremost, it will provide clarity on the new regulations of a potentially emotive issue. It will also provide a coping strategy and mechanism for employers and employees to help continuity with the guidelines. It will be an ongoing strategy with updates as any future changes come into place. And it will lead to other potential projects, such as maternity among self-employed women and environmental issues.

“This is something interesting and pertinent that I am passionate about,” says Natalie. “Not only does this project show a commitment to equality and diversity, it will help businesses, by helping individuals and families, who all need clarification, guidance and guidelines on maternity regulations.”


Contact:

If you would like more information about Managing Maternity, contact Debbie Ellen on 0161 247 6659 or email d.ellen@mmu.ac.uk