Complying with maternity leave rights in redundancy

Employers often believe that it is unlawful to make a woman redundant during maternity leave. However, the recent case of Simpson v Endsleigh Insurance Services Ltd emphasises that, not only is this a misconception, but the right of a woman on maternity leave to suitable alternative vacancies is not automatic. 

• Redundancy and maternity leave - a question of suitability An employee who is made redundant while on maternity leave is entitled to be offered (not just invited to apply for) a suitable available vacancy with her employer (or an associated employer). 

Frequently asked questions from HR & Compliance Centre:

Does an employee made redundant while on maternity leave have any special rights?

Where a redundancy will take effect before a woman goes on maternity leave is she entitled to preferential treatment with regard to being offered suitable alternative employment?

If a pregnant employee is made redundant before commencing maternity leave can her employer pay her statutory maternity pay in one lump sum?