Many women worry they could lose their job because they’re pregnant.
Remember, your employer cannot sack you just because you’re pregnant. That means you cannot be fired, demoted or treated in a worse way than you would normally be because of your pregnancy. We explain your pregnancy work rights:
Your rights at work when pregnant
You are entitled to paid time off for antenatal care during working hours, and travel there and back. This includes visits to your midwife or GP, and could also include antenatal classes. (You may need to produce an appointment card for Form MatB1 to confirm pregnancy, and a letter from your midwife or GP saying that the classes are part of your antenatal care.)
If you are not given these rights, or you have other problems at work, talk to your manager, personnel department or union representative – or citizen’s advice bureau. You can also call the Working Families advice line for help on 0207 253 6253.
Make it formal
Remember – your pregnancy rights and benefits won’t officially start until your employer has confirmation in writing that you are pregnant, so even if it seems a bit formal, don’t forget to put it in a letter.
Your employer is also legally obliged to carry out a workplacerisk assessment for you if there is any chance that your working conditions might affect your health. Talk to your personnel or human resources department for more information.
If you feel that you have been treated badly, you can contact:
- Your Trade Union representative.
- The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) Enquiry Line on 0845 747 4747.
- Your local Citizens’ Advice Bureau.
- Your company’s human resources department.
- Working Families advice line 0800 013 0313.
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