Pregnancy & Maternity Discrimination Solicitor
Pregnancy and maternity discrimination can affect role stability, career progression and how employees are treated during a critical period in their working lives. Many individuals feel unsure how to respond to unfair treatment or worry that raising concerns may make the situation worse.
With clear, measured legal guidance, you can understand your rights, assess what is happening and take informed steps to protect your position before, during and after you return from maternity leave.
Pregnancy and maternity discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfavourably because they are pregnant, on maternity leave or returning to work from maternity leave.
This can manifest in several ways, including reduced responsibilities, exclusion from key projects or clients, lack of access to training or promotion opportunities, negative or unjustified performance criticism, selection for redundancy, or being overlooked for important updates and decisions.
Employers are expected to make fair and lawful decisions during this period, in line with ACAS guidance. However, many employees fear raising concerns because of potential retaliation, damage to working relationships or impact on future opportunities.
What Is Pregnancy & Maternity Discrimination at Work?
Pregnancy and maternity discrimination is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010. It includes any unfavourable treatment related to pregnancy, maternity leave or when you return to work following your maternity leave.
Examples include unjust criticism linked to pregnancy symptoms, sudden changes to duties, pressure around leave dates, refusal of reasonable flexibility, or exclusion from opportunities. Negative comments or attitudes about pregnancy or parenting may also contribute to a hostile or inappropriate working environment. Victimisation can occur where an employee is treated less favourably after raising such concerns.
Such issues often arise alongside grievances, redundancy processes or performance-related discussions. Early legal advice can help employees understand their rights and take appropriate action.
Employees may encounter pregnancy or maternity discrimination in several forms, including:
Discrimination during pregnancy
Unfair treatment
Role changes or demotion
Maternity return issues
Harassment concerns
Being put at risk of redundancy or being pushed on return from maternity leave
How Can David Help as Your Pregnancy & Maternity Discrimination Lawyer?
David advises senior executives and employees who believe they have been treated unfavourably because of pregnancy, maternity leave or on their return to work.
He helps you assess whether decisions, comments or changes to your role amount to unlawful discrimination and explains how legal protections apply.
He reviews emails, timelines, performance documentation, workload changes and meeting notes to understand the context and identify patterns of treatment. David provides guidance on raising concerns safely, engaging with HR processes and ensuring issues are properly recorded. For clients experiencing isolation, unfair treatment or inappropriate conduct from managers, he offers practical steps to protect your position.
In redundancy situations during pregnancy or maternity leave, David explains employer obligations and supports clients in challenging unfair procedures.
He negotiates exit terms where appropriate and, if a tribunal claim is required, outlines the process, potential outcomes and next steps.
Many clients come to David facing recurring issues during pregnancy, maternity leave or the return-to-work period, including:
Return-to-work issues
Work allocation issues and demotion
Redundancy threat
If you are being treated badly during pregnancy, maternity leave or the return-to-work period, early legal advice can help you protect your rights and position. For clear and confidential guidance, contact David today.
Why Choose David
David has spent more than 35 years advising senior executives and employees on pregnancy and maternity discrimination. He understands how difficult discrimination in this period can be and provides clear, measured advice on your rights and the steps available to you.
He assists clients in documenting concerns, evaluating decisions made during the protected period and planning a structured approach to internal discussions or negotiations. David focuses on outcomes that protect income, reputation and long-term career prospects, offering calm and strategic guidance throughout challenging situations.
