Pregnancy and Maternity Discrimination at work: Understand your rights and take action
Being treated less favourably because you are pregnant, on maternity leave, or returning to work with a new baby is not just upsetting, it is unlawful.
Valla gives you practical tools to take action, from raising a grievance to building a legal case, so you can stand up for your rights and focus on your family.
Challenge pregnancy and maternity discrimination
- Free account to access document templates and legal tools
- Legal case review (Merits Assessment) for £149
- ET1 Tribunal support from £96
- Grievance letter and case-building templates included with paid accounts
Ask a UK legal expert about pregnancy an maternity discrimination
Find out where you stand with the pregnancy and maternity discrimination issues you're dealing with at work. Talk to a UK legal expert to understand if your issue has potential legal claims, so you can make a plan to resolve it.
What is Pregnancy and Maternity Discrimination
What is age discrimination?
Pregnancy and maternity discrimination happens when you are treated unfairly because of your pregnancy, maternity leave, or related issues such as returning to work as a new parent. You are protected under the Equality Act 2010 and Maternity and Parental Leave Regulations 1999.
There are two key types of unlawful treatment:
Direct pregnancy discrimination
This is when you are treated badly because you are pregnant or on maternity leave. This includes when you are treated badly because of illness suffered by you because of your pregnancy. For example, if your hours are cut, your role is changed, or you are excluded from training after announcing your pregnancy.
Direct pregnancy discrimination is a bit different from discrimination on the grounds of other protected characteristics, like race or age, because you don’t need to show that you were treated “less favourably” than someone else who wasn’t pregnant or on maternity leave - just that you were treated “unfavourably”.
Pregnancy victimisation
This happens when your employer treats you badly for raising concerns or standing up for your rights during pregnancy or maternity leave. This could include being penalised for submitting a grievance or being overlooked for promotion after making a complaint.
Also consider sex discrimination
Whilst you cannot claim for pregnancy or maternity related indirect discrimination, you might be able to claim for indirect sex discrimination. For example, if your employer has a policy of not allowing part-time working for certain staff, and you are refused a reduction in hours following your maternity leave, this could be indirect sex discrimination.
Also, whilst you cannot claim for pregnancy or maternity related harassment, you can claim for harassment related to the protected characteristic of sex. So, for example, if a colleague makes a derogatory comment about you going on maternity leave, this could amount to harassment related to sex.
These experiences can affect your income, career progression, and wellbeing at a time when support should be a priority. Valla helps you take action, even without legal representation.
Take action against pregnancy and maternity discrimination in 5 Steps
You do not need a lawyer to start challenging pregnancy discrimination at work. Valla helps you take practical steps with legal tools designed for people representing themselves.
Step 1: Record what is missing
Use Valla’s timeline tool to document incidents of discrimination or harassment, including dates, people involved, and what was said or done.
Step 2: Gather evidence
Upload MAT B1 and supporting documents, emails, or notes that support your claim.
Step 3: Raise a grievance
Use our grievance letter template to raise a formal complaint and give your employer a chance to respond.
Step 4: Try ACAS Early Conciliation
If your complaint is not resolved, you must go through ACAS Early Conciliation before making a legal claim. This is a free step to try and resolve the issue.
Step 5: Submit a Tribunal claim
If needed, Valla helps you complete your ET1 claim form and Particulars of Claim, including optional legal coaching to review your documents.
Valla gives you a clear way to take action. We help you document what has happened, raise a formal grievance, and if needed, start a Tribunal claim to get your money back.
Why use Valla for pregnancy and maternity discrimination claims
Challenging pregnancy and maternity discrimination at work can feel overwhelming, especially if you cannot afford a lawyer. Valla gives you the structure, tools, and guidance to act with confidence.
What you get with Valla:
What people say about Valla
“Being passed over for promotion after returning from leave felt personal. With Valla, I knew it was also unlawful.”
- Charlotte, Manchester
Frequently Asked Questions about pregnancy and maternity discrimination
What is pregnancy discrimination at work?
Being treated unfavourably because you are pregnant, have taken maternity leave, or are returning from it.
What is direct pregnancy discrimination?
Being treated unfavourably because of your pregnancy or maternity status, such as being excluded from opportunities or facing disciplinary action unfairly.
What is victimisation during maternity leave?
Being treated badly because you made a complaint or raised a concern related to your rights during pregnancy or leave.
Can I be made redundant while pregnant?
Only in limited, lawful situations. You cannot be selected for redundancy simply because you are pregnant or on leave.
Do I have to tell my employer I am pregnant?
Yes, to access your legal protections, including maternity leave and pay, you should notify your employer by the 15th week before your due date.
What if I am treated badly after returning from maternity leave?
You are protected against discrimination after your return if you are treated unfavourably because you took maternity leave. Valla can help you document and act on this.
Can I raise a grievance during maternity leave?
Yes. You can submit a formal complaint at any point during pregnancy or leave.
What compensation can I claim for pregnancy discrimination?
You may be able to claim for financial loss and injury to feelings, depending on your case.
How long do I have to make a claim?
You usually have three months less one day to begin ACAS Early Conciliation. If you’ve missed that deadline for some older incidents, you may be able to argue they are connected to the most recent incidents and form part of a ‘continuing act’.
Do I need a solicitor to take legal action?
No. Valla helps you build and manage your case yourself, with templates and legal coaching if needed.
Stand up to pregnancy and maternity discrimination with Valla
You should not be penalised for being pregnant, taking maternity leave, or returning to work as a new parent.
If your employer has treated you unfairly, Valla helps you stand up for your rights and take action with confidence.