Pregnancy & Maternity Discrimination Solicitors

From unfair dismissal during maternity leave to being sidelined for promotion opportunities, such treatment is unlawful and can entitle you to bring a claim.

At BBS Law, our pregnancy and maternity discrimination solicitors are here to help you challenge unfair treatment. We provide practical advice and strong legal representation to ensure your rights are protected under the Equality Act 2010.

What Is Pregnancy and Maternity Discrimination?

Pregnancy and maternity discrimination occurs when you are treated unfavourably because you are pregnant, have a pregnancy-related illness, are on maternity leave, or have recently returned from leave.

Discrimination on the grounds of pregnancy and maternity can occur in many ways, it isn’t always as blatant as unfair dismissal in fact it could be argued that it is more-so indirect. This could be the denial of training opportunities to being made redundant in circumstances that are unfair or poorly justified.

Pregnancy and maternity leave discrimination may also arise where your role or responsibilities are changed without proper consultation, or where your employer fails to support your return to work after maternity leave.

Even well-meaning actions, such as reassigning your duties without your consent, may amount to unfavourable treatment. That is why our maternity discrimination solicitors help you understand whether what you have experienced is unlawful conduct and advise on the legal process you’d be eligible to take.

What Is the Protected Period?

In the UK, the law provides a defined timeframe during which employees are protected from discrimination linked to pregnancy and maternity.

This begins when your employer knows, or reasonably should know, that you are pregnant, and it extends until the end of your maternity leave or, if you are not entitled to maternity leave, two weeks after giving birth. This is known as the “protected period.”

During the protected period, any unfavourable treatment because of pregnancy or maternity can form the basis of a discrimination claim. That means if you are denied opportunities, dismissed, or treated differently from colleagues during this time, you may be able to take legal action.

Our maternity discrimination solicitors will carefully assess your circumstances against this legal framework and guide you through the steps to enforce your rights properly.

How the Equality Act 2010 Protects You the Parent

The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful to treat an employee unfavourably because of pregnancy or maternity. Unlike other forms of discrimination, there is no need for the aspect of comparison as the law recognises that pregnancy and maternity are unique and thus, warrant special protection.

This means that even if you are the only pregnant employee in your workplace, you are still entitled to the same legal protections.

The Equality Act gives you a clear route to challenge any unlawful behaviour and at BBS Law, we use this legislation to build strong cases on behalf of employees, ensuring that employers are held accountable for any maternity related unlawful conduct.

Direct Vs Indirect Discrimination During Maternity

Direct discrimination occurs when you are explicitly treated worse because of your pregnancy or maternity.

A common example is dismissal for taking time off due to morning sickness or being told you will not be considered for promotion because of your maternity leave. These actions are unlawful and can be challenged with our solicitors’ support.

Indirect discrimination can arguably go overlooked a little more easily. This is because it happens when an employer applies a policy that disadvantages employees who are pregnant or on maternity leave even without intention.

Our team helps you identify these less obvious forms of discrimination and take the steps needed to secure fair treatment.

What to Do If You Think You’re Being Discriminated in Employment Due to Maternity

If you believe you are experiencing discrimination due to pregnancy and maternity, it is important to act quickly.

Start by keeping a record of all incidents, emails, and decisions that suggest unfair treatment.

This evidence can be vital in establishing a clear pattern of discrimination if the matter escalates.

Our solicitors will advise you on the best course of action, this could involve the pursuing of a tribunal claim. We take a supportive approach, helping you present your case clearly and with a strong stance on the right side of the law.

With BBS Law by your side, you can challenge unfair treatment with confidence and seek the compensation and remedies you deserve.

Choose BBS Law for Pregnancy and Maternity Leave Discrimination Solicitors

At BBS Law, we understand how stressful it can be to face unfair treatment at work at a time when you should be focused on growing your family.

Our solicitors have extensive experience representing employees in pregnancy and maternity discrimination claims. We know and have experience in spotting common excuses employers may use to justify or hide discriminatory behaviour, and we know how to challenge them too.

By choosing BBS Law, you can rest assured that you’re backed by a team who are ready to fight for your rights, get in touch to find out how we can help.

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Pregnancy and Maternity Discrimination Solicitors

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Pregnancy and Maternity Discrimination Solicitors

What Is Pregnancy and Maternity Discrimination?

What Is the Protected Period?

How the Equality Act 2010 Protects You the Parent

Direct Vs Indirect Discrimination During Maternity

What to Do If You Think You’re Being Discriminated in Employment Due to Maternity

Choose BBS Law for Pregnancy and Maternity Leave Discrimination Solicitors

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What is classed as discrimination in the workplace?

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What Is Pregnancy and Maternity Discrimination?

What Is the Protected Period?

How the Equality Act 2010 Protects You the Parent

Direct Vs Indirect Discrimination During Maternity

What to Do If You Think You’re Being Discriminated in Employment Due to Maternity

Choose BBS Law for Pregnancy and Maternity Leave Discrimination​ Solicitors

Employment Partners

Is pregnancy discrimination hard to prove?

Can I sue my employer for maternity discrimination?

What is classed as discrimination in the workplace?

BBS Law Client Testimonial

For proactive, bespoke, commercial solutions, contact us to discuss your needs.

Request a call back

Employment Law Update – Autumn 2025

Further amendments to the Employment Rights Bill

Employment Rights Bill: Implementation Roadmap Issued

Supreme Court Rules on Definition of “Woman”

Day One Right to Neonatal Care Leave and Pay: What Employers Need to Know

eVisas: The Move to Digital Immigration Documents

Employment Law Update – Autumn 2025

Further amendments to the Employment Rights Bill

Employment Rights Bill: Implementation Roadmap Issued

Supreme Court Rules on Definition of “Woman”

Day One Right to Neonatal Care Leave and Pay: What Employers Need to Know

eVisas: The Move to Digital Immigration Documents

Choose BBS Law for Pregnancy and Maternity Leave Discrimination Solicitors