Possible maternity discrimination at work: who helps?

Summary

If pregnancy or maternity treatment at work looks discriminatory under the Equality Act 2010, who helps is usually a written grievance to HR, ACAS early conciliation for tribunal time limits, then specialist free doors (Maternity Action, Citizens Advice, Equality Advisory Support Service, union). Ordinary unfair dismissal often needs two years’ service; pregnancy and maternity discrimination and some automatic unfair dismissal claims can run from day one.

Key information

• Pregnancy and maternity are protected characteristics. Unfavourable treatment because you are pregnant, on maternity leave, or have a pregnancy related illness can be discrimination.
• Employment tribunal claims usually need ACAS early conciliation and strict time limits (often three months less one day from the act complained of).
• Put concerns in writing to HR; keep dates, messages, and medical evidence.
• Check employment status: employee versus worker changes some maternity leave rights, but discrimination protection can still apply.
• Citizens Advice can check Equality Act facts against their pregnancy or maternity discrimination guide, walk through grievance then ACAS steps, and help list what to put in a letter. They will not usually be your full hearing representative or write to the employer as your lawyer.
• Maternity Action offers a free maternity rights advice line and, by their referral route, employment casework (drafting, writing to the employer, ongoing support).

Practical guidance

• Trade union (if you are a member): often the fastest workplace support.
• Employer HR / grievance: written record and possible resolution.
• ACAS: helpline guidance and early conciliation before most tribunal claims (acas.org.uk pregnancy and maternity discrimination).
• Maternity Action: employment casework.
• Citizens Advice: rights check and letters; getting help with a problem at work.
• Working Families and Equality Advisory Support Service if facts fit.
• Solicitor / [Ask the Shaman](https://www.legalshaman.com/): when early conciliation fails, stakes are high, dismissal is linked to pregnancy, or the three month clock is nearly up.

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