Pregnancy maternity discrimination

Under the Equality Act 2010, its illegal for businesses to treat pregnant employees or employees on maternity leave unfairly. If this is happening to you, we understand that it can be a stressful time. Our pregnancy and maternity discrimination solicitors are here to help.

Get help today

What will making a maternity discrimination claim look like?

Pregnancy and maternity are ‘protected characteristics’ under the Act. This means you have rights and are legally protected against discrimination at work. If you’ve been discriminated against, or have been a victim of bullying or harassment because you’re pregnant or on maternity leave, our legal team could help.

We can help if you think pregnancy or becoming a parent has resulted in you being:

Bullied or harassed
Dismissed or made redundant
Unfairly passed over for a promotion
Denied a flexible working request without good reason
Refused a job because you were pregnant or have children
Not allowed to return to your job following maternity leave on the same terms.

We help mothers at any stage of pregnancy or motherhood, and on every level of the corporate ladder.

Our specialist employment lawyers will talk to you about your experience and options. We can then:

Help you raise concerns with your employer
Take you through a mediation process to try and resolve the issue
Attempt a settlement agreement (saving you going to an Employment Tribunal or court)
Draft legal documents if it does go to court, and represent you in the Employment Tribunal, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, County Court, or High Court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our discrimination lawyers have years of experience helping senior executives, directors and various professionals who’ve been discriminated against at work. We’ve represented individuals from a number of industries and sectors, so whatever your job is, we are here to help.

Can I request more flexible hours or working terms once I’ve had a child?

Yes. Following the birth (or adoption) of your child, you have the right to request more flexible working terms from your employer. This can be an intimidating process – and stressful on top of the arrival of a new family member. Our specialists can help you negotiate.

What are the possible outcomes of making a maternity discrimination claim?

If your claim goes to the Employment Tribunal or to court, possible outcomes are:

Compensation
Declaration of your rights
Formal recommendation to your employer to prevent it happening again.

If we settle your claim through negotiation, we may be able to get a reference and an apology for you, as well as a confidentiality agreement and terms that protect your reputation. This can be much less stressful than going to court – and you may receive a more favourable compensation settlement.

What discrimination might I experience?

We can help if you’ve experienced any of the following types of discrimination:

Direct Discrimination – When you’re treated worse than another person because you’re pregnant or on maternity leave. For example: you’re not given the promotion you were promised because you’re pregnant
Indirect Discrimination – When your employer has a policy or rule in place which puts you at a disadvantage. For example: an employers’ policy means you aren’t eligible for a promotion if you’re on maternity leave
Harassment – When you are victim to bullying and are made to feel humiliated, offended or degraded because you are pregnant. For example: being called names for being pregnant
Victimisation – When you are treated badly after making a complaint for pregnancy or maternity discrimination. Can also happen if you’re supporting someone who has made a complaint.

Speak to our experts

We have the largest private client team in the UK, our team of experts are here to provide discreet legal advice to support you and your family.

Shah Qureshi

Partner

Find out more

Meet our experts