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.

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