Are you a Mum-to-be and in work? This section covers the basic (sometimes called statutory) rights that employers must provide for new mothers who work for them.
Your employer may offer better rights than the legal minimum and you need to check your contract of employment, your staff handbook, or perhaps a special leaflet that the personnel department may provide in larger organisations to find out your entitlement with your current employer.
Maternity rights are complicated, as everyone’s situation is different so you may need further advice than that which is offered in these questions. You can visit our free help page for general advice and help organisations, but here are some organisations you can go to for further help:
Maternity Action (advice to pregnant women and new parents) - 020 7253 2288 - www.maternityaction.org.uk
Working Families: free, confidential helpline for parents and carers which gives advice on employment rights and benefits. The service is open to parents, carers and their advisers: 0800 013 0313 www.workingfamilies.org.uk
Health and Safety Executive provides information for new and expectant mothers on their website here.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) provides advice and information on issues relating to workplace discrimination in England, Scotland and Wales, including telephone helplines.
In Northern Ireland, you can get help and information from the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. Helpline: 028 90 500 600 equalityni.org
HM Revenue and Customs (tax credits) – For calls in England, Wales, Scotland: 0845 300 3900 (8am-8pm) For calls in Northern Ireland 0845 603 2000 (8am-8pm) www.hmrc.gov.uk (see also Tax Credits - your questions answered)
Benefits Agency (your local office will be in the phone book) This information is available from the Department of Work and Pensions- www.dwp.gov.uk
workSMART Know Your Rights
Download our Know Your Rights leaflet on maternity leave and pay as a .pdf file
(you will need Adobe Acrobat to view this file, click here for free downloads of this software)
24 Feb 2012: When do you start getting paid?
The Interns: Getting treated like a dogsbody?