Updated October 2026. This article was first written in 2012 and the law has changed a great deal since then.
If you are being treated badly at work because you are pregnant, on maternity leave or a mum, you may be able to bring a claim at an employment tribunal. Before you can do that, you must contact Acas for early conciliation. It is free and it pauses your time limit while it runs.
From 1 October 2026, you usually have six months less one day to start a claim, counted from the date of the problem (three months less one day if it happened before 1 October 2026). Do not wait for a grievance or appeal to finish: they do not stop the clock.
For a full, up to date walk through, read our step by step guide to tribunal claims for pregnancy discrimination and our complete guide to maternity and paternity leave. Acas also offers free, confidential advice.
This is general information, not legal advice about your situation.
