An employer is entitled to suspend an
employee who is either pregnant, has
recently given birth or is breastfeeding
in the following circumstances.
A health and Safety reason, for example
the employee’s job involves working with
chemicals.
The employee normally works on a night
shift.
The employer can only suspend the
employee; the employer cannot dismiss
the employee, as this would be connected
with her pregnancy and so automatically
unfair.
However, before the employee is
suspended the employer must consider
alternative work for the employee. If
the employer fails to offer alternative
work where it is available the employee
can complain to an Employment Tribunal.
