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Protected Period

Key Points

Basic Position

Equality Act 2010 s.18(6) defines what is called "the protected period". This in relation to a woman's pregnancy is defined as the period which:

"begins when the pregnancy begins, and ends -

(a) if she has the right to [ordinary maternity leave] and [additional maternity leave], at the end of the additional maternity leave period or (if earlier) when she returns to work after the pregnancy;

(b) if she does not have that right, at the end of the period of 2 weeks beginning with the end of the pregnancy"