Maternity & Paternity Helpline

The AWS runs a helpline to advise solicitors, men as well as women, on their rights in relation to childcare issues.

Call 0870 043 4844 or e-mail maternityhelpline@womensolicitors.org.uk

Can you tell me about the helpline?

The AWS maternity helpline is a long established and highly regarded service offered to women solicitors advising on rights associated with maternity. In October 2007 the service was extended to male solicitors and also covers paternity issues.

How does the service actually work?

The helpline offers half-an-hour’s worth of free legal and practical advice. We can assist with issues surrounding maternity leave, paternity leave, pregnancy, returning to work and parental caring breaks. Whether you are faced with questions on requests for flexible working or requesting extra leave and your rights on this, the AWS is here to help.

Who will respond to my helpline query?

You will be put in touch with a volunteer advisor who is a solicitor.

Who can use the helpline?

Any solicitor can benefit from the helpline.

Why is the AWS offering this service to male solicitors?

The AWS is committed to promoting equality within the profession. Both men and women can be disadvantaged in the workplace when childcare is seen as a purely maternal issue rather than a parental one. We hope that advising male solicitors on their rights will help them be more confident about exercising them. Under the Work and Families Act 2006 and associated legislation the rights of fathers in relation to caring for their children are set to increase.

Is the service confidential?

Yes. Reports are not made back on individual cases to the AWS Committee or anyone else. We only gather general statistics on the number of people ringing the helpline.