Pregnancy Discrimination Grievance Letter: Free Template and What to Include

If you need to raise a formal grievance for unfavourable treatment connected to pregnancy, 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 grievance should include.

What this letter needs to cover

• Describe the unfavourable treatment since the pregnancy was disclosed
• State this constitutes pregnancy and maternity discrimination
• Request a formal grievance meeting within 5 working days
• Warn of tribunal claim

Why pregnancy discrimination doesn't require a comparator

Unlike many discrimination claims, you don't need to show you were treated worse than someone else in a comparable situation — unfavourable treatment because of pregnancy, pregnancy-related illness, or maternity leave is unlawful in its own right under the Equality Act 2010's specific pregnancy and maternity provisions.

What to include before you send it

• A clear, factual account of the unfavourable treatment
• Confirmation of your pregnancy status or stage at the relevant time
• Why you believe the treatment is connected to your pregnancy
• What outcome you're seeking

The "protected period" — when this specific protection applies

This heightened protection runs from the start of pregnancy through to the end of maternity leave (or, if you don't take maternity leave, a set period after birth) — treatment outside this specific window may still potentially be discriminatory, but would generally need to be argued under different, more general discrimination provisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my employer need to know I'm pregnant for this protection to apply?
Yes — protection specifically begins once your employer becomes aware, or ought reasonably to have become aware, of your pregnancy.

What if the unfavourable treatment happened shortly after I returned from maternity leave?
Depending on timing, this may still fall within the protected period, or could be raised as broader sex discrimination or victimisation if outside it — worth checking exactly where your situation falls.

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

Dear [Name],

Subject: Formal grievance – pregnancy and maternity discrimination

I am raising a formal grievance. Since I told you I was pregnant [on [Date]], I have been treated unfavourably because of my pregnancy [or: because I am on, or have taken, maternity leave]. This is pregnancy and maternity discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.

What happened:
• [Date]: [Name] [e.g. criticised my absences for pregnancy-related sickness / changed my role / passed me over for promotion].
• [Date]: [further incidents].

The impact on me: [e.g. I am anxious about coming to work].

To resolve this, I would like [e.g. my original duties back / an apology / fair treatment going forward].

Please hold a formal grievance meeting within 5 working days. I will bring [a colleague / a union representative].

If this is not resolved, I may bring an employment tribunal claim.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]