Do I have to take maternity leave, even if I don’t want to?

It is compulsory for women to take two weeks of maternity leave, or four weeks if they work in a factory, following the birth of their baby. This is for health and safety reasons and it is unlawful for an employer to allow a woman to work during her compulsory maternity leave period.

All employment entitlements and conditions that apply during the maternity leave period will also apply during the period of compulsory maternity leave.