Make Work Pay: Enhanced dismissal protections for pregnant women and new mothers

UNISON response

Up to 74,000 women lose their jobs each year because they are pregnant, on maternity leave, or have recently returned to work. 

Our response to the consultation on enhanced dismissal protections for pregnant women and new mothers highlights the many negative experiences such as demotion, reduced responsibilities or pressure to return to work early.

UNISON is calling for stronger legal protections, including longer protected periods after maternity leave, tighter limits on dismissals, and improved enforcement to help tackle discrimination.

About the consultation

The UK government published the consultation "Make Work Pay: Enhanced dismissal protections for pregnant women and new mothers” on 23 October 2025 and it ran until 15 January 2026. It sought views on how dismissal protections for pregnant employees and new mothers, including when protections should apply and how long they should last.