Pregnancy and Maternity

Maternity issues can be a minefield for employers – get it wrong and not only do you have an unhappy employee but you could be facing an unlimited bill for damages for unfair dismissal or sex discrimination.

There are complex rules about maternity leave, rights during pregnancy and whilst breast feeding and legal requirements about what you must do when you employee someone who is pregnant. It is unlawful to dismiss a woman or treat her differently because she is or has been pregnant or for various other maternity related reasons. This can give rise to issues over pay and conditions, working hours and in respect of selection in a redundancy situation. Women on maternity leave have special protection against being selected for redundancy - if you have a suitable alternative vacancy they have to be offered this in preference to anyone else.

Rees Page can health check your policies and procedures in this area to make sure that they comply with the law and can advise in relation to any problems or queries that arise. Whilst our advice will be aimed at keeping you out of the Tribunal if the worst happens and a Claim is made against you we can represent you.