Stronger dismissal protection for new mothers
October 2027 (planned) Planned — no commencement order yet
Employment Rights Act 2025 ss.26–27. Commencement regulations not yet made. Applies to: Great Britain. Checked 25 October 2026.
Regulations will restrict dismissal during pregnancy, maternity leave and a period after return, except in specified circumstances. The detail — which reasons remain allowed and how long the protected period lasts — is not yet set.
We found no commencement regulations for this change on legislation.gov.uk as of 25 October 2026. The date comes from the government roadmap and may move; details depend on regulations and consultation responses.
Who it affects
All employers.
What changes
- Power to restrict dismissal during pregnancy and after statutory family leave.
What to do
- Already today: pregnancy and maternity dismissals are automatically unfair from day one — take advice before any dismissal in this period.
Documents to review by 3 September 2027
- Family leave policies : Paternity and parental leave available from day one; Paternity pay still needs 26 weeks’ service and £129 a week; Paternity leave after shared parental leave.
- Disciplinary and capability procedure : Acas Code steps followed for everyone past six months; Written reasons for dismissal available on request at six months.
Tick these off and export the dates to your calendar in the business plan tab.
Sources
- Employment Rights Act 2025, section 26 — Dismissal during pregnancy
- Employment Rights Act 2025, section 27 — Dismissal following period of statutory family leave
- GOV.UK — Plan to Make Work Pay and Employment Rights Act: timeline update (updated 22 October 2026)
A summary for employers, not legal advice. Where a change depends on regulations not yet made, details may differ from this page.
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