What are the changes that have been made to maternity leave?

What are the changes that have been made to maternity leave?

With effect from 17 Aug 2008:

a) Paid maternity leave will be for up to 16 weeks, up to 4 confinements.
For the first two confinements, the first eight weeks of maternity leave will continue to be employer-paid. The last eight weeks will be funded by the Government.

For the third and subsequent confinements, the full 16 weeks will be funded by the Government.

The last eight weeks may be taken flexibly within a 12-month period from the birth of the child.

b) To be eligible for maternity leave benefits, the mother must have worked for at least 90 days with the employer, regardless of probation period.

c) Maternity leave benefits will be payable even if the pregnant employee is retrenched within the last three months of pregnancy.

d) Maternity leave benefits will be payable even if the pregnant employee is dismissed without sufficient cause or terminated within the last 6 months of pregnancy*.

* Includes termination of employment with or without notice.