Caring for Children

Covered in this topic:

  • What protection against unsafe working conditions is there for pregnant workers and women who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding?
  • What rights do I have to return to work after my maternity leave period ends?
  • What time off am I allowed to look after my child, once I am back at work?
  • I am expecting a child. Can I take maternity leave?
  • Can I be sacked because I am pregnant?
  • I have just given birth. When can I return to work?
  • What is parental leave and am I entitled to it?
  • My child is sick and I need time to look after him/her, but my employer is refusing. Do I have any rights?
  • Can I add parental leave to the end of my maternity leave?

Your working rights as a parent or parent-to-be.

Further Information

You can find out more information from the TUC main website. 

The charity Maternity Action also produces many useful guides. So does the charity Working Families. 

You may also be interested in SPLASH, a web portal built by a group of charities and legal specialists with advice for families on Shared Parental Leave. 

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also produces helpful guidance for new and expectant mothers at work. 

The Equality Advisory and Support Service may also be able to help you. They provide a helpline: 0808 800 0082.