Employment - In Scotland

Can my employer dismiss me because I am pregnant?

This information applies to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

If your employer dismisses you because of your pregnancy you could make a claim to an Employment Tribunal for automatic unfair dismissal (regardless of how long you have been employed) and also for sex discrimination.

You would need to be able to show an Employment Tribunal that the main reason for your dismissal was your pregnancy. You will need specialist help to do this.

For more information about dismissal due to pregnancy and information on maternity rights in the workplace, see Parental rights at work.

For information about dismissal, see Dismissal.

Other Frequently asked questions about employment:

• Am I entitled to paid holiday?
• Am I entitled to have the Bank holiday off work?
• My partner is due to have a baby very soon. Am I entitled to any time off work? Will I get paid?
• Can my employer force me to give back an overpayment of wages?
• Does my employer need to give me a certain period of notice before he dismisses me?
• I think I am being discriminated against at work because I am a woman.  What can I do?
• What can I do about being victimised after I complained about being discriminated against at work?
• I feel I am being racially discriminated against at work.  What can I do?
• Is there any special protection in the workplace for disabled people?
• I think I'm being treated unfairly because of my religion, is this legal?
• I'm being harassed at work because my colleagues think I’m gay. What can I do?
• My contract at work says I have to retire at 60. Can they make me retire?
• I’ve just applied for a job and the form asks for my date of birth. Do I have to give it? I’m afraid the company won’t look at my application if they realise how old I am.
• I am under a lot of stress at work, does my employer have to do anything about this?
• When I was younger I got into trouble with the police. I'm applying for jobs now and I'm worried my conviction will stop me getting work. Do I have to tell employers about my criminal record?