When To Tell Employer About Pregnancy – when should you tell your employer about pregnancy?
Well, there’s a legal requirement to inform your employer that you’re pregnant AT LEAST 15 weeks before your due date.
That’s the minimum amount of time and it’s usually known as your ‘notification week’, you might want to let your employer know in advance of this, especially as you’ll probably need some time off for doctors and hospital appointments (for scans etc).
If you need advice about telling your employer about pregnancy, please either call us now on 0845 1391399 or complete a Free Online Enquiry.
When Do You Have To Tell Your Employer You’re Pregnant?
Legally, it’s 15 weeks before your due date.
It’s common to tell your employer after the first trimester and there’s lots of obvious benefits to this, including:
- Once your employer has been informed that you’re pregnant, you’ll be protected against any unfair treatment or discrimination relating to your pregnancy.
- Any days off through illness relating to your pregnancy will be logged separately and won’t count against you.
- Plans for your maternity leave will be easier to finalise once your employer is aware that you are pregnant.
- Your employer is required to undertake a risk assessment in the workplace once they know you’re pregnant to ensure it’s a safe place to work. Any improvements that are required must be made by your employer OR they must find you alternative work with the same rate of pay.
You will also be given a reasonable amount of paid leave for hospital and doctor’s appointments relating to your pregnancy.
Your employer is entitled to ask for proof of these appointments, which could be a doctor’s note or a stamped certificate.
What Should I Tell My Employer?
When you inform your employer that you’re pregnant, you’re legally required to tell them a few things, including:
- Whether you want to receive statutory maternity pay.
- The date you plan to go on maternity leave.
You’re legally entitled to take up to 52 weeks of maternity leave and you are required to tell your employer the date you wish your maternity to begin by the 15th week BEFORE your due date.
The earliest you’re legally allowed to begin your maternity leave is 11 weeks before your due date.
Your employer will confirm your start and return dates for maternity leave and if you wish to change it, you need to give at least 28 days’ notice.
Whether you tell your employer in writing or in person, it’s still wise to include details of your planned maternity leave in writing, preferably via email so there’s clear evidence it’s been sent and received.
Once your employer is aware you’re pregnant then you’re protected from unfair treatment related to your pregnancy.
If you’re worried about your treatment due to informing your employer of your pregnancy, then it might be prudent to seek legal advice.
Employment Solicitors Near Me For Pregnancy Or Maternity Discrimination
If you need any help, advice, or assistance with employment issues relating to your pregnancy, maternity leave, and any potential unfair treatment, we’re here to help.
At Solicitors Near Me, we connect you with expert employment solicitors near to where you live for FREE.
There’s no obligation to proceed with them when we connect, so whatever you decide to do, there’s no need to commit until you’re ready.
Find An Employment Solicitor Now
To be connected to a specialist employment solicitor near to where you live or work, please either call us now on 0845 1391399 or complete a Free Online Enquiry.
