skip to content
 

Pregnancy and Maternity

Pregnancy and maternity discrimination is when you're treated unfairly because you're pregnant, breastfeeding or because you've recently given birth. Maternity covers the period of 26 weeks after birth. 

In relation to the University, the Equality Act prohibits discrimination because of pregnancy and maternity in employment, education and in the provision of goods and services.

This means, for example, that an applicant who wishes to study at the University should not be excluded from admittance because she is pregnant or has recently given birth. Similarly, someone who is pregnant should not be demoted or overlooked for training or promotion because of their pregnancy.

Breastfeeding mothers are also protected. So, for example, it would be discriminatory to ask someone to leave a University restaurant because they are breastfeeding their baby. This protection extends for the period that the mother breastfeeds (even after 26 weeks).

Additional guidance is available from the Human Resources Business Managers and from the E&D Section.

Support for female Staff members of the University, College or associated institution through the Women's Staff Network.

Support and further information for those who are pregnant, are parents and/or carers is available from Supporting Parents and Carers @ Cambridge