The UK government announced on Thursday 22 October 2026 plans to give pregnant women and new parents stronger protection against unfair dismissal, with tribunals adopting a new, stricter approach from 2027. Under the plans, employers would have to show they considered all reasonable alternatives to dismissal before proceeding. The protections would also extend to employees on adoption leave, shared parental leave, neonatal care leave and bereaved partner's paternity leave.

A consultation response published the same day sets out replacing the band of reasonable responses test with a proportionality test from October 2027. According to the announcement, this would apply only to pregnant mothers, new parents and the family-related leave types listed, while the existing test would remain for all other unfair dismissal cases. The response also outlines intended regulations on restricted variations to sums payable and shift pattern changes.

Minister for the Future of Work Kate Dearden said no one should have to choose between starting a family and staying in work. Pregnant Then Screwed chief executive Rachel Grocott cited its survey finding that 73% of women experience pregnancy or maternity discrimination, while Maternity Action and the British Chambers of Commerce also welcomed the move. The government framed the measures as part of the Employment Rights Act, which it says will benefit over 18 million people.