Pregnancy and Work: Know Your Rights in London
If you work in London, Ontario, and are pregnant or planning parental leave, your employer is legally required to respect your rights. Sadly, many employers fail to do so, leading to wrongful terminations, reduced hours, or demotions after maternity leave.
At London Employment Lawyers, we help you fight back. Whether you’re returning to work and being sidelined—or were let go while on leave—we’ll pursue the justice you deserve.
Your Legal Protections During Maternity Leave
Under the Employment Standards Act, employees in Ontario are entitled to:
- Up to 17 weeks of unpaid pregnancy leave
- Up to 61–63 weeks of unpaid parental leave
- Job protection throughout leave
- Continued benefits and seniority accrual
- Protection from retaliation based on pregnancy or family status
These apply whether you work in healthcare, education, administration, retail, or any other industry in London.
Red Flags: Maternity Leave Discrimination in London
You may have a legal case if you’ve experienced:
- Termination during or after leave
- Hostility from managers after announcing pregnancy
- Being passed over for promotions while on leave
- Forced early return or “pressure” to check in during leave
- Your position being given to someone else without explanation
Such acts are more than inappropriate—they may be grounds for a legal claim.
Returning to Work After Maternity Leave
When you return from leave, your employer must reinstate you to:
- Your previous position, or
- A comparable one in duties, status, and pay
They cannot:
- Offer a downgraded role
- Change your hours without consent
- End your employment without valid, unrelated cause
If they do, you may be entitled to compensation for constructive dismissal or discrimination.
Legal Help for New Parents in London
Our team will:
- Review your case and gather documentation
- Contact your employer for a resolution
- File a complaint or lawsuit if necessary
- Seek financial damages for lost income and emotional stress
- Help you get reinstated or transition to a new opportunity
Supporting London Parents, One Case at a Time
In a city with a growing population of young families, London employers must be held to account when they ignore maternity leave protections. We stand with working mothers and parents to ensure their careers aren’t penalized for having children.
Contact London Employment Lawyers today for a free case review. Let us help protect your rights and your future.
