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Unsure of your equality rights or the law? We can provide advice and assistance for people who feel they have been discriminated against.
 
 

Pay rises and performance

During your pregnancy

What you need to know

 

Pay rises, bonuses, promotion, performance review and training


Can I be denied my pay rise because I will be on maternity leave for a year?


No. You must be treated in the same way you would have been if you weren't pregnant and the pay rise should be reflected in your earnings related statutory maternity pay (which is 90% of your pay for the first six weeks of your maternity leave) and your contractual maternity pay. Failure to do so is likely to be pregnancy discrimination.

I have been told I will not get a bonus before I start my maternity leave. What can I do?

The general rule is that you must be paid the same bonus as you would have been if you weren't pregnant for the period before you go on maternity leave. Failure to do so might be pregnancy discrimination.
 

Can I apply for a promotion when I am pregnant?

Yes. There is no reason why you should not apply for promotion when you are pregnant. If you are discouraged from applying for promotion, or refused promotion, because you are pregnant or about to go on maternity leave, this is likely to be pregnancy or maternity discrimination. Your employer must not take into account your pregnancy when making a decision about whether to offer you a different job or promote you.
 

I think my promotion is being delayed because I am now pregnant. What can I do?

You must not be refused promotion because of your pregnancy. If your employer decides not to promote you because you are pregnant that would be pregnancy discrimination. Talk to your manager about your promotion. If your employer refuses to discuss this, you could write and ask why you have not been promoted.
 

My performance review is due but I will be on maternity leave. What should I do?

You should decide if you will be disadvantaged because of missing a performance review, for example, if a pay rise or promotion is dependent on your performance review. If it might disadvantage you, you could ask for your review to take place before the start of your maternity leave.
 

My performance review is due but I am concerned that my pregnancy has affected my work

You should tell your employer how your pregnancy has affected your ability to do your work. Your employer must not take into account poor performance where it is related to your pregnancy or a pregnancy-related illness. If they do this may be pregnancy discrimination.
 

Can my employer cancel my training course because I am pregnant?

Your training must not be cancelled because you are pregnant or about to go on maternity leave. This might be pregnancy discrimination. You may want to agree to postpone the course, for example, if the training will be out of date by the time you return from maternity leave, or you might want to use ‘keeping in touch’ days to attend training. It is advisable to discuss the options with your employer.
 
 
 
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