Employment & Labour Law · European Union
Defend Your Maternity Rights With the Right Lawyer By Your Side
A dismissal or demotion that arrives with the news of a pregnancy, maternity pay that never materialises, a return to a role that has quietly changed — pregnancy and maternity are protected across Europe, yet they remain a frequent flashpoint for discrimination. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted employment lawyer who handles maternity rights cases in your country every day.
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Who this is for
Pregnancy should change your life, not your job — and the law protects both your position and your pay
Maternity rights cover far more than the leave itself: protection against dismissal while pregnant or on leave, the right to return to the same or an equivalent role, maternity pay, health and safety adjustments for expectant and new mothers, and protection against discrimination linked to pregnancy or maternity. Across Europe these rights come from a mix of EU directives, national law, collective agreements and your own contract, and the detail — how long leave lasts, who pays, and how strong the protection is — varies considerably from one country to the next. Disputes often arise when a pregnancy is met with redundancy, a contract is ended or not renewed, maternity pay is wrong, or a return to work brings a lesser role. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted employment lawyer who handles maternity rights cases in your country every day.
Why maternity disputes happen
Pregnancy is still treated as an inconvenience in too many workplaces.
And the law is the only thing standing between you and that attitude.
Dismissal, demotion and withheld pay around pregnancy are frequently unlawful — but the deadlines to act are short.
Dismissal or redundancy around pregnancy
Being let go, made redundant or having a fixed-term contract ended shortly after a pregnancy is announced is a classic sign of unlawful discrimination — and in many countries it is very difficult for an employer to justify.
Maternity pay wrong or missing
Statutory and contractual maternity pay are calculated from your specific earnings and service, and mistakes are common. If your pay is short, late or withheld altogether, you may be owed a correction.
A lesser role on your return
Returning to find your duties stripped, your hours cut or your clients reassigned can amount to a breach of your right to return to the same or an equivalent position — a change that often needs to be challenged formally.
What you get
A maternity rights lawyer who protects your position and your pay
We only match you with employment lawyers who handle pregnancy and maternity disputes regularly in your country.
Rights & entitlement review
Your lawyer confirms exactly what leave, pay and protection you are entitled to under your contract, national law and any collective agreement, so you know your position before you act.
Discrimination assessment
If you suspect your treatment is linked to pregnancy or maternity, your lawyer evaluates the facts against the legal test and advises whether you have a strong discrimination claim.
Negotiation & reinstatement
Your lawyer negotiates with your employer to restore your role, correct your pay or reach a fair settlement — without you facing the pressure of the situation alone.
Tribunal representation
If negotiation fails, your lawyer prepares and presents your claim before the relevant body, managing deadlines, evidence and the strict time limits that apply to maternity cases.
Coverage
Maternity rights lawyers across Europe
Maternity leave, pay and protection are set nationally and differ sharply between countries, so the right lawyer is one who applies your country’s specific rules every day. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Maternity rights — common questions
How long is maternity leave in Europe?
It varies widely by country, typically from around three months to a year or more, with some countries also offering shared parental leave. Your contract or collective agreement may extend the statutory minimum, so your exact entitlement depends on where you work.
Can I be dismissed while pregnant or on maternity leave?
In most European countries dismissal during pregnancy or maternity leave is unlawful except in very limited circumstances, and employers face a heavy burden to justify it. If you have been dismissed, demoted or made redundant around this time, seek legal advice promptly.
Who pays my maternity pay?
Depending on the country, maternity pay may come from the employer, the state, or a combination of both, and the rate often changes partway through the leave. A lawyer can confirm who should be paying you and whether the amount you are receiving is correct.
Do I have the right to return to my old job?
In most countries you have the right to return to the same job, or to an equivalent one on no less favourable terms. If you return to a lesser role, reduced hours or different duties, that may amount to a breach of your maternity rights.
What counts as pregnancy discrimination?
Less favourable treatment because you are pregnant, on maternity leave or have recently given birth can amount to discrimination — including dismissal, missed promotion, or unfavourable changes to your role. A lawyer can assess whether the facts meet the legal test in your country.
How long do I have to bring a maternity discrimination claim?
Time limits vary by country and are often short — sometimes just a few months from the act complained of. Because the deadline can start running before you even realise the full picture, it is wise to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible.
Free case review
Your pregnancy should never cost you your job
Tell us what’s happened and we’ll connect you with an employment lawyer who handles maternity rights cases in your country every day — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.