1. Required absence is to protect a member in the later stages of pregnancy when they are unlikely to be able to work comfortably. It also assists in the recovery from pregnancy, and to care for their child.
2. In most cases the required absence will only be part of a member's period of maternity leave and is not in addition to the 52 weeks' leave.

Example: A member's required absence is due to start on 1 May. The member is in good health. She provides a medical certificate that states that in the doctor's opinion, she is fit to work until 10 June. The CDF gives her permission to work until 10 June.

Non-example 1: In the example above, the member is working during her required absence. Towards the end of May she is finding work difficult. On 25 May she decides she no longer wants to work. The member should start maternity leave. Other forms of leave are not available to her.

Non-example 2: In the first example, the member is working during her required absence. On 25 May her doctor advises her that due to her pregnancy she should stop working. The member should start maternity leave. Convalescence is not available to her.

The member still has access to other leave entitlements as usual.