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<p>Government is determined to ensure that pregnant women do not suffer detriment
at work in any circumstances, including where they have followed public heath guidance.</p><p>
</p><p>The Coronavirus outbreak has not changed the law on pregnancy and maternity
discrimination. There is no place for it under any circumstances. If a pregnant woman
is dismissed or made redundant on the grounds of her pregnancy, this is automatically
unfair dismissal.</p><p> </p><p>Under Health and Safety legislation, it remains the
employer’s responsibility to put in place arrangements to control health and safety
risks. There are already specific requirements in place for pregnant workers and guidance
from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) sets out the expectations around risk assessments,
finding alternative work and medical suspension, where necessary.</p><p> </p><p>In
terms of new specific coronavirus interventions, HSE will consider taking a range
of actions to improve control of workplace risks where it is clear an employer is
not following Public Health England guidance properly (eg not taking appropriate action
on social distancing or ensuring workers in the shielded category can follow advice
to self-isolate). Government guidance on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme also
makes it clear that pregnant women can be furloughed if they and their employer agree,
and provided they meet the normal eligibility requirements.</p>
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