Pregnancy and Maternity (Redundancy Protection) Bill

A Bill to prohibit making employees redundant during pregnancy, maternity leave and the period of six months from the end of pregnancy; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Last Updated

22 May 2019

In Plain English

AI-generated

This Bill would make it illegal for employers to make an employee redundant while they are pregnant, while they are on maternity leave, or for six months after the end of the pregnancy. It aims to strengthen protections for pregnant workers and for those returning from maternity leave. If enacted, redundancies during these periods would be unlawful, with related details to be set out in later stages of the Bill.

Key Points

Redundancies during pregnancy, maternity leave, or within six months after childbirth would be unlawful.
Aims to strengthen job security for pregnant workers and those returning from maternity leave.
Applies to employers when making redundancy decisions during the protected periods.
If it progresses, the Bill would move through the normal parliamentary stages (e.g., Committee stage) for further scrutiny.

Progress

The Bill is currently at the second reading in the House of Commons; if it advances, it would move on to the next stages of consideration in Parliament.

Who is affected?

Pregnant employeesEmployees on maternity leavePeople returning from pregnancy within six months of childbirthEmployers and managers who handle redundancy decisionsHuman Resources professionals involved in redundancy planning

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Pregnancy and Maternity (Redundancy Protection)

1 Jan 1970

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Pregnancy and Maternity (Redundancy Protection) Bill | TrackPolitics