The Government has published a consultation paper on its plans to enhance protection from redundancy for pregnant women and new parents returning to work. This follows a recommendation in the 2017 Taylor Review of Modern Working Practices and conclusions of the Women and Equalities Select Committee put forward in its report on pregnancy and maternity discrimination.
The consultation document explains the current law on redundancy protection for pregnant women and new mothers who are on maternity leave, as afforded under the Maternity and Paternity Leave etc. Regulations 1999, and puts forward a proposal that this should be extended so that it continues for up to six months after their return to work.
The consultation also seeks views on affording the same protection to parents returning from adoption leave or shared parental leave.
The consultation closes at 11.45pm on 5 April 2019.