Maternity Discrimination
Unfair treatment related to pregnancy, maternity leave, or returning to work after having a baby.
What is Maternity Discrimination
Pregnancy discrimination is any unfavorable treatment because you're pregnant, on maternity leave, or have recently given birth. This is automatically unfair dismissal under UK law - you don't need two years' service, and employers must have exceptionally strong reasons to justify any dismissal during this protected period.
The protection begins when you become pregnant and continues until the end of your maternity leave. During pregnancy, you're entitled to time off for antenatal appointments, protection from health and safety risks, and cannot be dismissed for pregnancy-related absence.
Pregnancy discrimination cases often achieve substantial compensation because the law recognizes the vulnerability of pregnant employees and new mothers, providing enhanced protection beyond standard employment rights.
Common Reasons
Many employers dismiss pregnant employees citing "redundancy," but select pregnant women unfairly from selection pools. We see cases where pregnant employees are suddenly rated poorly in performance reviews after announcing pregnancy, or excluded from important meetings and projects.
Common discriminatory practices include: reducing responsibilities after pregnancy announcement, comments about "commitment levels" or "future availability," refusing flexible working requests without proper consideration, or creating hostile environments hoping you'll resign. Some employers wait until you return from maternity leave then immediately start disciplinary processes for minor issues.
Particularly concerning are cases where employers make pregnant women redundant but immediately recruit replacements, or where they claim "business needs" changed coincidentally with pregnancy announcements. Small business owners often panic about maternity costs and act illegally to avoid obligations.
Your Rights and Typical Results
Pregnancy discrimination typically results in £15,000-£35,000 compensation, including injury to feelings awards and lost maternity benefits. These cases often achieve substantial awards because the law provides enhanced protection for pregnant employees and new mothers.
Pregnancy should be celebrated, not punished. If you've been treated unfairly because of pregnancy, you deserve justice and compensation.
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Frequently asked questions
