Discrimination - Pregnancy Flashcards
What is the primary legislation that protects against discrimination due to pregnancy and maternity in the UK?
The Equality Act 2010.
True or False: Discrimination based on pregnancy and maternity is considered a form of sex discrimination.
True.
Fill in the blank: Employees are entitled to maternity leave for a minimum of ___ weeks.
39 weeks.
What is the maximum period of maternity leave that an employee can take in the UK?
52 weeks.
True or False: An employee on maternity leave can be dismissed for taking maternity leave.
False.
What is the term used for the legal right to return to the same job after maternity leave?
Right to return.
What is the main purpose of the Pregnancy and Maternity (Protection) Regulations 2008?
To provide additional protection against discrimination for pregnant employees and those on maternity leave.
Fill in the blank: Pregnant employees have the right to take time off for antenatal appointments, which includes ___ appointments.
medical.
What is the maximum amount of time an employee can take off for antenatal appointments?
As much time as necessary, but reasonable notice must be given.
True or False: Employers are required to provide reasonable adjustments for pregnant employees.
True.
What is the minimum notice period for an employee to inform their employer about their maternity leave?
At least 15 weeks before the expected week of childbirth.
What is the name of the payment that eligible employees can receive during maternity leave?
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP).
True or False: An employee can choose to return to work before the end of their maternity leave.
True.
What is the term for the period during which an employee is entitled to receive maternity pay?
Maternity pay period.
Fill in the blank: An employee must have been employed for at least ___ weeks to qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay.
26 weeks.
What does the term ‘discrimination’ mean in the context of pregnancy and maternity?
Unequal treatment of an employee because of their pregnancy or maternity leave status.
True or False: Employers can refuse to promote an employee because she is pregnant.
False.
What is the name of the form that employees must fill out to claim Statutory Maternity Pay?
Form SMP1.
Fill in the blank: An employee has the right to return to the same job if she returns to work within ___ weeks of maternity leave.
26 weeks.
What is the consequence for an employer who discriminates against an employee for being pregnant?
They may be taken to an employment tribunal.
True or False: Employers have no obligation to provide a safe working environment for pregnant employees.
False.
What is the primary factor that determines eligibility for maternity leave?
The duration of employment with the employer.
Fill in the blank: Employees can take maternity leave for a maximum of ___ weeks before the expected week of childbirth.
11 weeks.
What is the term used for the legal right to receive maternity leave pay?
Statutory Maternity Pay entitlement.
True or False: Employers can treat pregnant employees differently from other employees.
False.
What type of discrimination occurs if an employer treats an employee unfavorably due to a pregnancy-related illness?
Disability discrimination.
Fill in the blank: An employee on maternity leave is protected from redundancy unless there is a ___ reason.
genuine.
What is the role of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) in relation to pregnancy and maternity discrimination?
To provide guidance and support to employers and employees on employment rights.
True or False: An employee who is pregnant has the right to request flexible working arrangements.
True.
What is the minimum amount of Statutory Maternity Pay that an employee can receive weekly?
The lower rate of SMP, which is set by the government.
Fill in the blank: If an employee does not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, she may be eligible for ___.
Maternity Allowance.
What must an employer do if an employee informs them of a pregnancy?
Conduct a risk assessment to ensure the employee’s safety.
True or False: Employers can ask for medical evidence to support an employee’s claim for maternity leave.
False.
What is the purpose of the risk assessment for pregnant employees?
To identify and mitigate potential risks to the health and safety of the employee and unborn child.
Fill in the blank: Employees have the right to return to work after maternity leave without any ___ in their pay or conditions.
detriment.
What should an employee do if they believe they have been discriminated against due to pregnancy or maternity?
Raise a grievance with their employer or seek legal advice.
True or False: An employee can be made redundant while on maternity leave.
False, unless it is due to a genuine business reason.
What is the term for the time an employee must provide notice of returning to work after maternity leave?
Return to work notice.
Fill in the blank: Statutory Maternity Pay can be paid for up to ___ weeks.
39 weeks.
What are the two types of maternity leave available in the UK?
Ordinary Maternity Leave and Additional Maternity Leave.
True or False: An employee can take maternity leave before the baby is born.
True.
What is the term for the period of leave taken immediately after childbirth?
Ordinary Maternity Leave.
Fill in the blank: An employee is entitled to maternity leave regardless of how long they have been with their employer, as long as they inform their employer at least ___ weeks before the birth.
15 weeks.
What is the consequence of not following the correct procedure for maternity leave?
An employee may not receive maternity pay or may face difficulties returning to work.
True or False: Employers can penalize employees for taking maternity leave.
False.
What must employers do to support pregnant employees in the workplace?
Make reasonable adjustments to their work environment.
Fill in the blank: An employee’s maternity leave can start as early as ___ weeks before the expected week of childbirth.
11 weeks.
True or False: An employer can refuse to hire a pregnant woman solely based on her pregnancy status.
False
Fill in the blank: Employers must provide _______ for pregnant employees unless it creates an undue hardship.
reasonable accommodations
What must an employer demonstrate to refuse an appointment due to pregnancy?
That the refusal is based on legitimate business reasons and not discrimination.
According to the law, what type of discrimination is illegal against pregnant employees?
Pregnancy discrimination
What must an employer provide if a pregnant employee requests a lighter duty?
An evaluation of the request to determine if it can be accommodated.
True or False: Employers are allowed to terminate an employee if they disclose their pregnancy.
False
Fill in the blank: Employers cannot refuse to appoint a pregnant woman based on ________ stereotypes.
gender or pregnancy
What is a legitimate reason for an employer to refuse an appointment related to pregnancy?
If the employee is unable to perform essential job functions.
When can an employer require a medical certification from a pregnant employee?
When the employee requests accommodations due to pregnancy-related conditions.
True or False: All job positions are exempt from pregnancy-related accommodations.
False
What type of job might be grounds for refusal due to pregnancy?
A job requiring heavy lifting that could jeopardize the health of the employee or fetus.
Fill in the blank: Employers must treat pregnancy-related conditions the same as other ________ conditions.
temporary disabilities
What should an employer do if they cannot accommodate a pregnant employee’s request?
Engage in an interactive process to explore other options.
True or False: An employer can ask a job applicant if they are pregnant during the interview.
False
What is one factor that might justify an employer’s refusal of appointment during pregnancy?
The need for a specific physical capability that the pregnant employee cannot meet.