Use our timeline to see important dates in your pregnancy, and in your maternity leave, which relate to your pay and leave entitlements.
Pregnancy and maternity: leave and pay timeline
If you're an employee you have the right to take time off to deal with any unexpected or sudden problem involving a dependant. You are entitled to as much time off as you need, provided it is a real emergency. Find out more about taking time off work for emergencies.
Parental leave allows you to take time off work to care for your child, or to spend more time with them. There are certain criteria you need to meet to qualify for parental leave. If eligible, you would be entitled to take a specified amount of time as unpaid leave. Read more about parental leave.You shouldn't be treated unfairly because you are pregnant or a new mother.
Being treated unfairly could mean being selected for redundancy or dismissal, changes to your pay or hours, pressure to resign, failure to carry out a risk assessment, or anything where you are treated unfavourably because of your pregnancy or because you are a new mother.
If you believe you are being treated unfairly it's really important that you take action right away. Read our advice on discrimination which explains what action you can take. Act promptly. If the matter is not resolved by your employer, RCN members should contact us without delay.
Do you need help and advice with writing a will, probate, Trusts or Lasting Power of Attorney?
Find out more about how RCN Law can help you.
Your membership gives you access to 30 minutes free legal advice on non-work matters, including family law.
Apply by completing the short form in MyRCN.
As an RCN member, you can find answers to your questions about work - and more - in our comprehensive advice. You can also find out how to contact the advice team.
