By Team SalaryCalculate · 1/7/2026

Maternity Protection During Redundancy: Special Rights for New Mothers

When a company decides to make redundancies, it is bound by law to follow a fair and objective selection process. However, for new mothers or those on maternity leave, there are additional layers of protection. This article will explore these rights, how redundancy pay is calculated, and what steps you should take if you find yourself facing redundancy during maternity leave.

Your Rights as a New Mother

New mothers, or those on maternity leave, have legal protections and rights when it comes to redundancies. These include:

You cannot be made redundant just because you’re pregnant or on maternity leave.

You have the right to be offered suitable alternative employment, if available, before others.

If you’re made redundant while on maternity leave, your maternity pay should continue until the end of your maternity leave.

Redundancy Pay: How it Works

You are entitled to a statutory redundancy payment if you have been with your employer for at least two years. This payment is calculated based on your age, length of service, and weekly pay up to a maximum limit. As of April 2025, the maximum weekly pay cap is £719, and the maximum total payment is £21,570 (£719 × 20 years × 1.5). These limits are reviewed annually in April.

You can calculate your potential redundancy pay using our [redundancy pay calculator](/tools/uk/england/redundancy-pay-calculator).

Redundancy During Maternity Leave

Should you be made redundant while on maternity leave, you still have the right to receive statutory maternity pay or maternity allowance for the full 39 weeks, provided you meet the eligibility conditions.

Here's a simple table to illustrate this:

What to Do If You're Made Redundant

If you're made redundant while pregnant or on maternity leave, you should:

Make sure you receive your redundancy pay: Use our [redundancy settlement calculator](/tools/uk/england/redundancy-settlement-calculator) to ensure you're getting the correct amount.

Check if the redundancy was fair: Unfair redundancy can be challenged. You can learn more about this in our [redundancy-employee-rights](/blog/redundancy-employee-rights) article.

Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Can I be made redundant while on maternity leave?**

**A:** Yes, but the redundancy must be fair and not related to your pregnancy or maternity leave. You also have the right to be offered any suitable alternative employment.

**Q: How is redundancy pay calculated?**

**A:** Redundancy pay is calculated based on your age, length of service, and weekly pay up to a maximum limit.

**Q: What happens to my maternity pay if I'm made redundant?**

**A:** If you're made redundant while on maternity leave, you still have the right to receive statutory maternity pay or maternity allowance for the full 39 weeks.

In conclusion, understanding your rights as a new mother facing redundancy is crucial. It's important to ensure that you're being treated fairly and receiving the correct amount of redundancy pay. If you're unsure about your rights or your redundancy package, it's always advisable to seek professional advice.