The government says it is introducing legislation to make it unlawful to dismiss pregnant women and new mothers except in specific circumstances, and is seeking views on the detail from parents, employers and others.
Key facts
- Who: Pregnant women, mothers on maternity leave, mothers who have returned to work, and their employers
- Source: Make Work Pay: enhanced dismissal protections for pregnant women and new mothers
The government says it is introducing legislation which will make it unlawful to dismiss pregnant women, mothers on maternity leave, and mothers who return to work for at least a 6-month period after they return. The exception is dismissal in specific circumstances.
The source describes the government as seeking views on enhancing these protections.
What the consultation covers
The consultation asks for views on:
- the specific circumstances in which the dismissal of pregnant women and new mothers should still be allowed
- when the protections should start and end
- whether other new parents should be covered by the protections
It also asks for views on:
- making sure pregnant women and new mothers are aware of the policy
- how best to support businesses through the change
- how to mitigate against any unintended consequences
- other changes that could be made to tackle pregnancy and maternity discrimination
Who is asked to respond
The consultation seeks responses from individuals who are or have been a pregnant woman, new mother or other parent, as well as employers, business representative organisations, academics, trade unions, charities and legal representatives.
What this means for pregnant employees, new mothers and employers
The government has stated its intention to legislate so that dismissing pregnant women, mothers on maternity leave and mothers who have returned to work (for at least 6 months after their return) is unlawful, except in specific circumstances. How the protection works in practice will depend on detail that the consultation covers, including those exceptions and when protection starts and ends.
Employees and employers can read the full consultation page on GOV.UK to check the current position on these points.
Sources
- Make Work Pay: enhanced dismissal protections for pregnant women and new mothers, GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/make-work-pay-enhanced-dismissal-protections-for-pregnant-women-and-new-mothers