McGrigors is considering a number of changes to its employee benefits system relating to the firm's maternity leave and sick pay policies.

The firm is proposing the introduction of bonuses for mothers who return to work early, as well as a new policy which will allow the firm to reduce the pay of women who take a second period of maternity leave within 18 months of their last.

The consultation, which was announced to the firm's employees in an email sent out earlier this week (13 September), is due to be concluded within two weeks.

During this time, the firm will hold seminars to ensure employees understand the proposals, while also drawing on anonymous feedback from staff.

McGrigors' current maternity arrangements mean that employees who have been with the firm for less than two years receive six weeks' full salary, while those with more than two years at the firm get between 12 and 18 weeks on full pay.

The firm is also considering the introduction of a new system to identify those employees with so-called "ongoing absence issues". In order to do so, the firm would create a two-tier system of people with minor illnesses and those with more serious problems.

A spokesperson at McGrigors commented: "Many changes are to simplify existing policies, but we're suggesting more substantive changes to maternity leave and sick pay policies."

"The vast majority of our people would not be worse off under the proposed changes – in fact, in many instances they would be significantly better off. However, we're running a consultation to ensure everyone understands what is being proposed."

The firm aims to introduce the changes next month (1 October) at the start of the Scots firm's financial year.