The individual rights of women to take maternity leave and receive maternity pay are set out in the Maternity and Parental Leave Regulations 2002  (As amended) and the Social Security, Statutory Maternity Pay and Statutory Sick Pay (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002 (As Amended). 

There are also a number of statutory provisions concerning the treatment of employees who become pregnant, have recently given birth or who are breast-feeding. These include measures to protect health and safety, minimum statutory leave periods and protection against unfair dismissal or some other form of detriment.

Information and guidance on the basic legal principles, including employees’ rights and management responsibilities, is provided in the resources below.