Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to increase awareness of maternity exemption certificates amongst (a) NHS staff and (b) pregnant women.

We promote maternity exemption certificates to professionals and patients to ensure both groups are aware of the entitlement. Healthcare professionals, such as midwives and general practitioners (GPs), apply for maternity exemption certificates on behalf of the patient and ensure that individuals are aware of the entitlement. We are working with NHS Business Services Authority on communications to ensure that midwives, GPs and other Health Care Partitioners are aware of their obligation and information is provided to expectant mothers. The certificates are also promoted through social media, online resources, media releases and through healthcare bulletins.