Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act 2023
The Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act 2023 protects eligible pregnant employees and those returning from family leave (Maternity Leave, Shared Parental Leave and Adoption Leave) in the event of redundancy.
What are the new redundancy protection rights?
Currently, employees who are on Maternity, Adoption or Shared Parental Leave have the right to be prioritised for any suitable alternative vacancies when employers are going through a redundancy exercise. The new Bill extends this priority protection to those who are pregnant, an employee who has recently experienced a miscarriage and those returning from parental leave. These proposed measures are designed to tackle pregnancy discrimination and the disadvantages those returning from family leave are reported to have experienced in the workplace.
Who benefits from these new rights?
Redundancies usually only affect employees working in permanent roles, and eligible permanent employees would benefit most from this new Bill. However, if you’re a temporary or agency worker, it’s important to remember that it is still unlawful for your agency or employer to treat you unfavourably for jobs if you’re pregnant, have recently given birth or are breastfeeding. This would be classified as discrimination.
