Reduction in hours whilst pregnant.

[MissingMo]

Just after any advice, my company would like to reduce my hours by about a third. I am currently 17 weeks pregant. I am just wondering if pregnancy would be a reason to try and avoid this happening. Thanks.

It will affect your Statutory maternity pay as the 90% for 6 weeks is based on your pay in weeks 17-25 of pregnancy. It may also affect the rest of maternity pay as it's based on 90% of salary or £151ish , whichever is lower

Are other people being asked to do the same? Could be seen as discrimination if not

There is no specific protection for being pregnant. If your employer is reducing your hours to avoid risks to your health and safety you should continue to be paid at your current rate. If they reduce your pay it could be pregnancy discrimination.

If, however, they are reducing your hours in an attempt to control costs, they can only do so with your consent. If you refuse to consent and they dismiss you or make you redundant you may have a case for unfair dismissal. If they reduce your hours and pay without your consent you may be able to leave and claim constructive dismissal. However, you need to balance that against the risk of not having a job. If the business goes under because people refuse to reduce their hours it won't help anyone.

Thank you @dementedpixie I had realised that my maternity pay would be affected so I will be thinking about that and talking that through. Some people are being asked to do the same but are not pregnant so not discrimination in this circumstance.

@prh47bridge it isn't risk related so thank you for specifying the difference.

You have both been very helpful, thank you for your advice.