Pregnancy Rights in Employment -

Frequently Asked Questions

Employment law protects the rights of pregnant workers in a number of ways. If you require specific advice on any of these issues, please contact one of our solicitors.

On this page, we aim to answer some of the common questions that arise when an employee becomes pregnant. Please click on the questions below for details:-

• How does an employee qualify for maternity leave?

• What are the employer's obligations in respect of allowing the employee to attend ante-natal classes?

• What are an employer’s obligations in terms of protecting the health and safety of a pregnant employee?

• What are the conditions that a pregnant employee must fulfil in order to be entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)?

• Is an employee who has been dismissed for misconduct prior to starting maternity leave entitled to SMP?

• Does a pregnant employee who has yet to go on maternity leave have any special redundancy rights should a redundancy situation occur?

• If the redundancy situation arises while an employee is on maternity leave, is she entitled to priority treatment?

• Can an employee keep the company car while on maternity leave?

• Is an employee entitled to a pay rise whilst on maternity leave?

• Is an employee entitled to receive a pay rise whilst on maternity leave ?

• Must an employer allow an employee returning from maternity leave to return to the same job on a part-time basis?

• Can an employee with post-natal depression be dismissed?

• What are the new 'family friendly' rights that were introduced by the Maternity and Parental Leave etc and Paternity and Aoption Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2006?

• What procedure must be followed when an employee wants to request flexible working arrangements?

Please contact a solicitor at Advantage Employment Law for a free initial consultation if you require further advice.