Telling your employer you’re pregnant: when to do it, what to say and your rights

There’s no rule that you have to tell your employer early, but there is a deadline, and telling them sooner gives you some important rights. Here’s how to plan it.

When do you have to tell your employer?

At least 15 weeks before the start of the week your baby is due. If you can’t (for example, you didn’t know you were pregnant), tell them as soon as you can. At that point you also need to tell them when you want your maternity leave and Statutory Maternity Pay to start.

Many people wait until after their 12-week scan, but it’s your choice. If your job is physical, involves chemicals or long hours, or you’re feeling unwell, telling them sooner means they can make changes to keep you safe.

What to say

Keep it simple. Something like:

“I wanted to let you know that I’m pregnant. My baby is due on [date]. I’m thinking of starting my maternity leave around [date], and I’ll confirm that in writing. I’d like to talk about how we plan my work before I go.”

Your employer must write to you within 28 days confirming your maternity leave start and end dates. For Statutory Maternity Pay, you’ll also need to give them proof of your due date: your MATB1, which your midwife or GP can give you from about 20 weeks pregnant.

Your rights while you’re pregnant at work

Paid time off for antenatal care

Your employer must give you time off for antenatal care and pay you your normal rate for it. This includes medical appointments, and antenatal or parenting classes if your doctor or midwife has recommended them. The baby’s father or your partner can take unpaid time off to go to 2 of your antenatal appointments.

A risk assessment

Once you’ve told them in writing, your employer must assess the risks to you and your baby, such as heavy lifting, standing or sitting for long periods without breaks, harmful substances or long hours. If there are risks, they must remove or reduce them, for example by changing your working conditions or hours. If that isn’t possible, they must offer you suitable alternative work on the same pay and terms, and if there isn’t any, suspend you on full pay.

Protection from unfair treatment

It’s against the law to treat you unfairly or dismiss you because you’re pregnant or on maternity leave. Your employer can’t change your contract without your agreement. If you’re selected for redundancy, you have the right to be offered a suitable alternative job if there is one. That protection starts when you tell your employer you’re pregnant and lasts until 18 months after your baby is born.

While you’re on maternity leave

You keep your employment rights, including pay rises and building up holiday. You can work up to 10 ‘keeping in touch’ days if you and your employer agree, without ending your leave or losing your pay. Our free KIT Day Planner can help you plan them.

If something goes wrong

Talk to your manager or HR first, and keep notes of what was said. If that doesn’t sort it out, you can raise a formal grievance. Acas gives free, impartial advice on 0300 123 1100. Strict time limits apply to employment tribunal claims, so get advice quickly.

Useful links

This is general information based on GOV.UK guidance for England, Scotland and Wales. Some rules are different in Northern Ireland (for example, the 18-month redundancy protection doesn’t apply there): the Labour Relations Agency (03300 555 300) and nidirect can help. Your employer’s policy may give you more.