Do I have to put up with a pregnant employee who keeps leaving work for maternity appointments?
Yes a pregnant employee is entitled to time off for ante-natal care, which may include parenting classes. You cannot refuse a pregnant employee time off however you are able to request to see the appointment letters or any other supporting evidence.
Our employees are all in their early twenties if we employ someone in their sixties they would be out of place. Do we have to hire someone of this age?
If you interview someone in their sixties and they turn out to be as good or even better than your current employees in their twenties you should not let their age be a determining factor as to whether you hire them or not. Since October 2006 it has been unlawful to reject anyone for an interview based on their age. There is not a lot employers can do to control the age of their workforce therefore you would potentially have to recruit someone in their sixties even if you have a younger workforce.
We have a part time member of staff who has informed us she is pregnant. What is she legally entitled to?
The employer is entitled to be treated the same as a full time employee. Like a full time employee she has the right to maternity leave and the right to return to her job after maternity leave. She may be entitled to maternity pay.
She is also entitled to her normal terms and conditions of employment except remuneration during the period of her maternity leave.