5 things every employer should know about pregnant employees

Risk assessment

Under Regulation 16(2) Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 all employers must assess workplace risks and alter working conditions or hours of work to avoid any significant risk to the health and safety of new or expectant mothers in the workplace.

Automatic unfair dismissal

During pregnancy, a woman is automatically unfairly dismissed (so there is no need for two years’ qualifying service) if her dismissal is connected with her pregnancy (section 99 Employment Rights Act 1996).

Redundancy protection

Where an employer is informed of an employee’s pregnancy on or after 6th April 2024, a new law means that the employee has additional protection from redundancy for the full period of their pregnancy. She must be given first refusal of any available suitable alternative jobs if a redundancy situation arises.

Discrimination

Pregnant employees are protected from being treated unfavourably because of their pregnancy. The employee doesn’t need to show that she has been treated ‘less favourably’ than someone who isn’t pregnant – no comparator is required.

Time off for antenatal appointments

Pregnant employees are entitled to paid time off to attend antenatal appointments.