Indicator 3.8.7

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Indicator 3.8.7

by Contact on 8 October 2026

Requirement

The UoC shall ensure that employees are entitled to maternity leave of a minimum of 14 weeks that includes a guarantee of return to the job. **

How Do I Interpret This Requirement?

  • Many countries have legal requirements for the provision of maternity protection for women employees. These typically include:

    • maternity leave

    • cash benefits

    • employment security, which includes a return to the same or a similar position after taking maternity leave.

    • This requirement extends some or all of these benefits to employees at the UoC.

    • Some countries also have similar legal requirements for the provision of paternity protection for male employees.

    • Maternity leave can include both pregnancy leave and leave following the birth of the child. 

Evidence of Implementation

  • written confirmation (either in contracts or a company policy or information document) that maternity provisions have been included that meet the requirements of local legislation

  • evidence of maternity leave being paid, where national law requires.

Auditors Should Confirm

  • employees’ understanding of maternity or paternity leave rights;

  • employees who have taken maternity/paternity benefits have rejoined work at the same or similar position without a reduction in wages;

  • the UoC does not discriminate in hiring between genders so that they can avoid being obligated to pay maternity (or paternity) benefits to employees, see ASC Farm Standard Criterion 3.4 (Discrimination).

Useful Resources

  • International Labour Organization (ILO) V. Maternity Protection Convention, 2000 (No. 183)