Government proposes extending redundancy protection for women and new parents!
Following on from Matthew Taylor’s review of modern working practices, the Government have undertaken a review of pregnancy and maternity discrimination and published a consultation paper in which responses are required by 5 April 2019.
Currently women are protected during redundancy whilst on maternity leave and they must be given priority over other redundant employees when the employer offers suitable alternative employment.
The proposals are to extend this right to;
• Women who have returned from maternity leave in the previous 6 months,
• Women who have told their employer that they are pregnant,
• Those on adoption leave, shared parental leave and longer periods of parental leave.
The consultation paper also propose that the three month limit for bringing a claim in pregnancy and maternity discrimination cases should be extended to 6 months.
Are you currently going though a redundancy process? Are you confident that you know your legal obligations? Not sure? Get in touch with one of our experienced Employment Solicitors on 0161 478 3800.
