Pregnancy Discrimination Letter: Free Template and What to Include

If you need to challenge discrimination or unfair treatment because of pregnancy or maternity, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong pregnancy discrimination letter should include.

What this letter needs to cover

• State it is a formal grievance
• Describe the discriminatory treatment linked to pregnancy or maternity
• Reference the Equality Act 2010 and the specific protected characteristic of pregnancy and maternity
• Describe the impact
• State the desired outcome
• Request a formal meeting

Your protection during pregnancy and maternity

Pregnancy and maternity discrimination is treated as a distinct, specifically protected category under the Equality Act 2010 — you don't need a comparator to show you were treated less favourably than someone else, unlike some other discrimination claims. Unfavourable treatment because of pregnancy, pregnancy-related illness, or maternity leave is unlawful in its own right.

What to include before you send it

• A clear, factual account of the treatment you've experienced and when it occurred
• Confirmation of your pregnancy or maternity leave status at the relevant time
• Why you believe the treatment was connected to your pregnancy or maternity leave
• What outcome you're seeking

The protected period matters

Special protection applies during pregnancy and maternity leave, and for redundancy it lasts from when you tell your employer you're pregnant until 18 months after the birth — if your role is at risk during this time, you must be offered any suitable alternative vacancy ahead of colleagues without this protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this protection apply if I'm not yet on maternity leave?
Yes — protection begins from the point your employer knows you're pregnant, not just once maternity leave starts.

What if I was made redundant while on maternity leave?
This is an area of particularly strong protection — failing to offer you a suitable alternative role ahead of others can itself amount to unlawful discrimination and automatic unfair dismissal.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Postcode]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Name of Contact / HR Manager]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[Company Postcode]
[Date]

Dear [Name of Contact / HR Manager],

Subject: Formal Grievance – Pregnancy and Maternity Discrimination

I am writing to raise a formal grievance about unfavourable treatment I have experienced since telling you about my pregnancy. I believe this is unlawful pregnancy and maternity discrimination under [section 18 of the Equality Act 2010 / in Northern Ireland: the Sex Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 1976].

The incidents are:
• [Date] – [What happened, e.g. My line manager removed me from the key project list shortly after I told them I was pregnant.]
• [Date] – [What happened, e.g. I was refused paid time off to attend an antenatal appointment.]
• [Date] – [What happened, e.g. Negative comments were made about my performance during my pregnancy-related sickness absence.]

This treatment has caused me significant distress. It is unlawful to treat an employee unfavourably because of their pregnancy, or because they are taking, or want to take, maternity leave.

To resolve this, I am asking for [e.g. to be put back on the project / an apology / the comments to be removed from my record].

Please investigate these incidents under the formal grievance procedure and send me details of the grievance meeting. I wish to be accompanied by a [work colleague / trade union representative].

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]