Lawson-West reminds Employees of their rights during pregnancy and maternity leave after a TV-presenter lodges claim for pregnancy-related sex discrimination

In the wake of news that a TV-presenter has lodged an employment tribunal claim for pregnancy-related sex discrimination, Lawson-West employment law solicitors would like to take the opportunity to highlight employee’s rights if they are dismissed whilst pregnant or on maternity leave. • If you are dismissed whilst pregnant or on maternity leave, you are entitled to have the reasons for your dismissal in writing. • If you are not given reasons for your dismissal in writing, ask for a letter confirming why you have been dismissed. • You should not be dismissed for pregnancy-related reasons, eg taking time off sick for pregnancy-related illnesses. • If you have been dismissed for reasons relating to pregnancy, your dismissal will be automatically unfair and you may have an employment tribunal claim against your employer. • Whilst pregnant, you can be selected for redundancy but the reasons for your selection must not be related to your pregnancy. • Whilst on maternity leave, you can be selected for redundancy, but the reasons for your selection must not be related to you being on maternity leave. • If redundancies are made while you are on maternity leave, you have the right to be offered any alternative employment in preference to other employees who have also been selected for redundancy. TV-presenter, Tessa Dunlop, has lodged an employment tribunal claim for sex discrimination, claiming she was removed two weeks after giving birth to her daughter. However, the BBC is denying the claim and will be lodging their response shortly. If you feel you have been discriminated against at work because of your pregnancy or because you have taken maternity leave, please call either Ashley Hunt or Vaishali Thakerar now on 0116 212 1000 for a free initial consultation or complete one of the on-line forms.