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Pregnancy and maternity

Under the Equality Act 2010, you are protected from discrimination from the point your employer knows (or could reasonably be expected to know) that you are pregnant.

Your rights during pregnancy:

– You have the right to health and safety protection for you and your baby.

– You have the right to reasonable paid time off for your antenatal care.

– You are protected against unfair treatment and unfair dismissal because of your pregnancy.

All employees have the right to 52 weeks maternity leave and you may qualify for maternity pay. 

Employers should provide a suitable, private space for rest if needed after giving birth. Where possible, this should also include somewhere safe and hygienic to express and store breast milk.

Wider reproductive health at work

There is increasing recognition that reproductive health is an important workplace issue. Many employers are now introducing policies to better support staff, including:

• Fertility treatment support – for example, time off for IVF appointments and recovery without negative impact on sick leave or progression
• Menopause support – such as flexible working, temperature control, or changes to the working environment
• Pregnancy loss support – including bereavement leave and access to wellbeing support following miscarriage or baby loss.

If you need support

If you’re not getting the support you need, or think you may be experiencing discrimination:

• Check your employer’s policies on health, wellbeing and leave

• Look at Acas guidance on pregnancy and workplace rights for clear, step-by-step advice

• Get free, confidential advice from the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS)

You can also contact LUU Advice for independent, student-focused support with understanding your rights and next steps.