Mix and match - your other rights in pregnancy

Redundancy

You have special rights if you are made redundant whilst on maternity leave. Call Working Families helpline on 0800 013 0313 or see www.workingfamilies.org.uk

Breastfeeding

Health and safety rights described above also apply to women who are breastfeeding.

Part-time work

Parents of children under six (or disabled children under 18) have the right to ask to work part-time, flexible or reduced hours. Your employer can only refuse if there is good business reason why your job could not be done in this way. There are additional rights under the Sex Discrimination Act. Working Families has an online guide to flexible working at www.workingfamilies.org.uk, or call our helpline on 0800 013 0313.

Parental leave and time off for dependants

The parents of children under 5 are entitled to take up to 13 weeks' unpaid leave per parent per child, up until the child's 5th birthday. This leave is also available for parents who adopt a child. If the child receives Disability Living Allowance the right is to 18 weeks before the child is 18. Only four weeks may be taken in a year, unless your employer agrees otherwise.

Paternity leave

Working fathers are now entitled to two weeks paid leave around the birth of a baby. They'll get £112.75 per week and adoptive parents will also qualify for paid leave.

Time off for dependants

Every worker is entitled to unpaid leave to care for a dependant who falls ill, gives birth or is injured. The leave can also be used if there is a sudden problem with arrangements for care of the dependant (e.g. if your childminder falls ill).

Benefits

All pregnant women and new mothers are entitled to free prescriptions and free NHS dental care. Once your baby is born you will also be entitled to claim Child Benefit. Working Tax Credits is to top up the incomes of working parents. The amount you get depends on how much you earn and on how many children you have.

Sickness

You have special rights if sick during pregnancy, maternity leave and on return to work. For more information, call Working Families on 0800 013 0313.

Job interviews

You do not have to tell a future employer you are pregnant when you go for a job interview. The fact that you are pregnant should not have any bearing on whether you are the right person for the job.

Need More Help?

If you need more detailed information on any of the topics mentioned here, please call Working Families helpline on 0800 013 0313, or see www.workingfamilies.org.uk