An employee who has taken maternity leave is entitled to additional maternity leave for a maximum period of 16 weeks. The 16 weeks commence immediately after the end of her maternity leave and any transferred paternity leave, or may be postponed in whole or in part under section 14B to commence either under that section or immediately after her maternity leave and any transferred paternity leave. Entitlement applies whether or not the minimum period of maternity leave was extended under section 12.

Entitlement is subject to written notification to the employer: either at the same time as the notification under section 9 or not later than four weeks before the date which would have been her expected date of return under Part IV if she had not taken additional maternity leave, or, where transferred paternity leave is taken, four weeks before the date on which additional maternity leave is to commence. Notification may be revoked by written notice not later than four weeks before that expected return date. The Minister may by order extend the period in subsection (1) and section 8 does not prevent the entitlement to additional maternity leave under this section.