Redundancy During Maternity Leave — Objection Letter Template & Generator

If you need to challenge a redundancy proposed while you are on maternity leave, 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 redundancy during maternity leave — objection should include, plus a free tool to generate yours.

What this letter needs to cover

• Assert the right under Regulation 10 of the Maternity and Parental Leave Regulations 1999 to be offered a suitable alternative vacancy in preference to other employees
• State no suitable vacancy has been offered
• Warn this may constitute automatic unfair dismissal and pregnancy discrimination
• Request urgent meeting

Your enhanced protection during maternity leave redundancy

If you're made redundant while on maternity leave, you have priority rights to any suitable alternative role, ahead of other employees at risk of redundancy — this is one of the strongest protections in UK employment law, and failing to offer you this priority can make the redundancy automatically unfair.

What to include before you send it

• Confirmation of your maternity leave dates and the redundancy proposal you've received
• A clear statement asserting your right to priority consideration for suitable alternative vacancies
• A request for details of any current or upcoming vacancies that might be suitable
• A challenge to the process if you believe proper priority hasn't been applied

What counts as a "suitable" alternative role

A suitable role should be broadly comparable in terms, status, and location to your previous role — not simply any vacancy the employer happens to have. If you're offered something significantly worse without good justification, this is worth challenging directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this protection extend beyond maternity leave itself?
The priority protection specifically covers the period of maternity leave, though wider pregnancy and maternity discrimination protections continue for a period after you return too.

What if my employer says there simply are no suitable alternative roles?
You're entitled to ask for confirmation of what vacancies existed at the time and why none were considered suitable — a vague assertion without detail is worth challenging.

See our full letter template & generator library for related letters, or use our free checkers for guidance specific to your situation.