Am I protected if I'm pregnant?

Yes. Pregnancy and maternity discrimination is illegal and automatic unfair dismissal. You're protected from day one, regardless of how long you've worked there.

You have special legal protection if you're pregnant or have recently given birth. Under the Equality Act 2010, discrimination because of pregnancy is automatically unfair—meaning you don't need a qualifying period (like the 2 years normally required for unfair dismissal). You can claim at tribunal immediately.

This protection covers the entire period of your pregnancy, maternity leave, and return to work.

Your statutory rights while pregnant

  • Paid time off: You can take paid time off to attend ante-natal appointments (scans, check-ups). Your employer can ask for proof.
  • Maternity leave: You're entitled to up to 52 weeks: 39 weeks paid (Statutory Maternity Pay) at 90% of average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then £184.03/week (April 2026 rate) for the next 33 weeks. The remaining 13 weeks are unpaid but you keep your job.
  • Cannot be dismissed: You cannot be dismissed because you're pregnant, have recently given birth, or are on maternity leave.
  • Same treatment: Your employer cannot treat you worse than before you were pregnant (lower pay, excluded from opportunities, moved to different work without consent).
  • Return to work: You have the right to return to the same job or similar on the same terms.

Common pregnancy discrimination

  • Dismissal "for any reason" or during pregnancy/maternity leave
  • Not being promoted or given opportunities because you're pregnant
  • Being demoted or moved to less-favourable work
  • Harassment or unwanted comments about your pregnancy
  • Being forced onto different terms (pay, hours, duties)
  • Not being allowed flexible working or adjustments after returning
  • Being excluded from social events or workplace information while on leave

What to do if you've been pregnancy discriminated against

Tell your employer. Report it to your manager or HR in writing. Explain what happened and why you believe it's pregnancy-related. Keep a copy.

Document everything. Write down dates, what was said, who was present, and how it affected you.

Contact ACAS. Call 0300 123 1100 for free, confidential advice. They can start early conciliation with your employer.

Time limit. You have 3 months minus 1 day from the discrimination to start ACAS conciliation, but claims based on pregnancy/maternity have no upper age limit once conciliation starts.

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Last verified: May 2026