Effective from April 6, 2024, the Maternity Leave, Adoption Leave, and Shared Parental Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2024 extend the existing statutory protection against redundancy. These regulations now safeguard pregnant women, new parents returning from any period of maternity or adoption leave, and those who have taken at least six weeks of shared parental leave.
The Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act 2023 provides protection for pregnant employees from the moment they inform their employer of their pregnancy until 18 months after the birth. Additionally, employees returning from adoption or shared parental leave are protected against redundancy for at least six months after their return to work.
These employees are granted special protection in redundancy situations. They have the right to be offered a suitable alternative vacancy, if one is available, before other employees.
