Pregnancy rights at work: risk assessments, antenatal time off and sick leave

Once you tell your employer you’re pregnant, a set of rights kicks in. Here’s what GOV.UK says about risk assessments, time off for appointments, sickness and discrimination, and where to get help.

Telling your employer

GOV.UK says employees must tell their employer about the pregnancy at least 15 weeks before the beginning of the week the baby is due, or as soon as they can if that isn’t possible. Many people tell them earlier. See telling your employer you’re pregnant.

Risk assessments

When you tell your employer, GOV.UK says they should assess the risks to you and your baby. Examples include heavy lifting, long periods of standing or sitting, toxic substances and long working hours. If there are risks, your employer should take reasonable steps to remove them, for example by offering different work or changing your hours. If risks can’t be removed and there is no suitable alternative work, GOV.UK says your employer should suspend you on full pay.

Time off for antenatal appointments

GOV.UK says employers must give pregnant employees time off for antenatal care and pay their normal rate for that time. GOV.UK says you can’t take that time off until you’ve told your employer about the pregnancy. A partner might have the right to unpaid time off to go to 2 antenatal appointments, up to 6.5 hours each (Acas). See a partner’s guide to pregnancy.

Pregnancy-related sickness

If you’re off work with a pregnancy-related illness in the 4 weeks before your baby is due, GOV.UK says your maternity leave and Statutory Maternity Pay start automatically. Acas says employers should record pregnancy-related absence separately from other sickness absence and should not count it towards any review or trigger points in the absence policy. Severe morning sickness is covered in morning sickness: what you need to know.

Protection from discrimination

GOV.UK says it is against the law to discriminate against anyone because of being pregnant. If you’re selected for redundancy while pregnant or on maternity leave, you have a right to be offered a suitable alternative job if one is available. This applies from the day you tell your employer until up to 18 months after the birth. If the pregnancy ends early and you’re not entitled to statutory maternity leave, the redundancy protection lasts 2 weeks after the pregnancy ends. The Acas guide on pregnancy and maternity discrimination is the resource GOV.UK points to.

If your employer won’t act on a health and safety risk, GOV.UK says to speak first to a health and safety or trade union representative, and you can then contact the Health and Safety Executive.

Pay and leave

See maternity pay compared, statutory maternity pay explained and maternity allowance explained.

GOV.UK’s page doesn’t say which parts of the UK each rule covers, so if you live in Northern Ireland, check the nidirect guidance or ask your union or Acas.

Questions people ask

Do I have to tell my employer straight away?

No. GOV.UK says to tell them at least 15 weeks before the week the baby is due, or as soon as you can if that isn’t possible. Telling them earlier means they can start the risk assessment.

Do I get paid for antenatal appointments?

Yes. GOV.UK says employers must give pregnant employees paid time off at their normal rate for antenatal care, once you’ve told them about the pregnancy.

What if my work isn’t safe for me?

Your employer should change the work or your hours. If that isn’t possible, GOV.UK says they should suspend you on full pay.

Where can I get help if I’m treated unfairly?

GOV.UK points to the Acas guide on pregnancy and maternity discrimination.