Your other rights in pregnancy

Paternity leave
Fathers and partners have the legal right to take two weeks off at the birth if s/he has worked for his/her employer for long enough. Fathers and partners who qualify for paternity leave may also be able to claim Statutory Paternity Pay from their employer. This is paid for two weeks.

The right to paternity leave applies to the baby's biological father or the mother's partner (including a same sex partner). For more information, see Time off for working parents.

Parental leave and time off for dependants
Parents are entitled to take up to 13 weeks unpaid leave per parent per child, up until the child's 5th birthday. Parents are also 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). For more information, see Time off for working parents.

Parental leave is also available for parents who adopt a child.

Benefits
All pregnant women and new mothers are entitled to free prescriptions, free NHS dental care and the Health in Pregnancy grant. Once your baby is born you will also be entitled to claim Child Benefit, ask your Health Visitor for the claim form.

If you are on a low income you may be able to get more help. For more information about the benefits you could claim, see Money for Parents and Babies.

Sickness
You are protected from unfair dismissal and sex discrimination if you are off sick during pregnancy, maternity leave and on return to work. Any pregnancy-related sickness absence must be recorded separately and should not be included in your total sickness absence for disciplinary or redundancy purposes.

Job interviews
If you go for an interview during pregnancy, you do not have to tell the employer that you are pregnant, especially if you feel it is too early to tell anyone. The fact that you are pregnant should not have any bearing on whether you are the right person for the job and it is sex discrimination to refuse to employ a woman because she is pregnant.

Note: if you are changing jobs during your pregnancy, you will not qualify for SMP but you may be able to claim Maternity Allowance instead.

Where to go for more help

Directgov
The government's online information resource

ACAS
For advice on employment rights or arbitration services
Helpline: 08457 47 47 47

Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
For information and advice about discrimination law
Helpline: 0845 604 6610

Citizens' Advice
For information about your rights and to find details of local advice bureau

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