Enhanced dismissal protections for pregnant women and new mothers

26 October 2026

The government has published its response to its consultation on enhanced dismissal protections for pregnant women and new mothers. It confirms the government will legislate to strengthen the legal test for dismissals during pregnancy, maternity leave and the six-month return-towork period and will extend comparable protections to other forms of family leave. This may result in more complex workforce planning once the new regime takes effect in October 2027.

This briefing examines the practical implications of the new enhanced dismissal protections, the implementation timetable, areas of continuing uncertainty, and the preparatory steps that employers can take.

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