Employment Contract Template for Maternity Cover (UK 2025)

When You Need This Contract

Maternity cover contracts are a specific type of fixed-term employment requiring careful drafting to protect both the business and the maternity cover employee. The contract must clearly state that the role is to cover a specific employee's maternity leave, define the expected duration while acknowledging it may vary, include handover provisions at both the start and end of the cover period, and address what happens if the absent employee decides not to return. The cover employee has full employment rights during their fixed-term employment.

Key Clauses

• Clear statement that the role is maternity leave cover for a named position
• Expected duration with flexibility for early return or extended leave
• Comprehensive handover and knowledge transfer provisions
• Provisions addressing the scenario where the absent employee does not return
• Equal treatment with comparable permanent employees during the cover period

What to Watch Out For

• Specifying an exact end date when maternity leave return dates are inherently uncertain
• Not including provisions for the scenario where the absent employee decides not to return to work

Sample Clauses

• Sample cover clause: 'This role is to provide cover for [position title] during the current post-holder's maternity leave. The expected duration is [X] months, although this may be extended or shortened depending on the post-holder's leave arrangements. The Company will give you [X] weeks notice of the anticipated end date once the post-holder confirms their return date.'
• Sample handover clause: 'A handover period of [X] weeks will be provided at the commencement of your employment, during which the current post-holder will brief you on ongoing responsibilities. A return handover of [X] weeks will be arranged before the end of your fixed-term employment to ensure continuity.'