Maternity Law

Maternity leave and pay

If you have fallen pregnant, it can be difficult to know exactly what you are entitled to in terms of maternity leave and pay. As specialist employment law solicitors, we can clarify your position, explaining how much maternity leave you are allowed to take, and how much maternity pay you should receive.

Your statutory rights are set by the law. Your entitlement all depends on your individual circumstances, including how long you have been with the company and how much you earn. Your contract may also provide greater rights, over and above your statutory entitlement.

If your employer is not meeting your statutory and/or contractual maternity rights, we can help you take action. We understand that you will want to exercise your full entitlement, and will work to secure this on your behalf.

Pregnancy and maternity discrimination

We also have experience in assisting employees facing apparent pregnancy discrimination or who are made redundant while on maternity leave.

Under the Equality Act 2010, pregnancy and maternity are protected characteristics. This means that your employer cannot treat you less favourably, on account of the fact that you are pregnant and/or on maternity leave. This might include:

• Dismissing you for pregnancy-related absences
• Choosing you for redundancy
• Overlooking you for a promotion or training opportunities
• Dismissing you before you’ve returned to work
• Not hiring you

If an employer takes any of the above actions for reasons related to your pregnancy or maternity leave, you will have grounds for legal action. We can advise you further, helping you get the redress you deserve.