Maternity, parents and carers

Pregnant women, birth parents, adopting parents and certain other carers are entitled to a number of specific rights and protections, including:

•
a variety of types of leave for family reasons, or reasons related to dependants
•
risk assessments regarding pregnant employees and those with newborn babies

For information on the right to request flexible working, see Practice Note: Flexible working.

Time off work for antenatal care or adoption appointments

Pregnant women are entitled to paid time off to attend antenatal care provided that the care has been recommended by a doctor, nurse or midwife.

Certain persons will be entitled to take unpaid time off from work to accompany a pregnant woman to such an appointment.

There are protections against detriment or dismissal done because of the exercise of these rights.

Similar rights relating to time off to attend adoption appointments are available to employees who have been notified by an adoption agency that a child is to be, or is expected to be, placed for adoption with them.

For further information, see Practice Notes: Time off work for antenatal appointments and Time off work

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