{"id":24412,"date":"2026-11-03T17:15:44","date_gmt":"2026-11-03T17:15:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/?post_type=resources&p=24412"},"modified":"2026-11-03T20:57:11","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T20:57:11","slug":"withdrawing-job-offer-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"resources","link":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/discrimination\/withdrawing-job-offer-pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"Can an employer withdraw a job offer if it subsequently discovers that the successful candidate is pregnant?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n
\n

No, withdrawing a job offer because a potential employee is pregnant constitutes pregnancy and maternity discrimination contrary to the Equality Act 2010. This is the case even if the position for which they are applying is for a fixed term and they will not be able to see the term through, for example if the position is to cover someone else’s maternity leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no obligation on a job applicant to disclose their pregnancy to a potential employer at the interview, or before accepting the post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where the successful candidate has already accepted the job offer, withdrawing it at this stage would amount not only to pregnancy and maternity discrimination, but also to a breach of contract, and could give rise to a claim for automatic unfair dismissal (employees do not require any qualifying period of service to claim unfair dismissal where the reason for dismissal is pregnancy).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Looking for more than a quick answer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For guidance that reflects the latest developments, discover how HR & Compliance Centre can support your team with comprehensive resources, practical tools and expert guidance, including our extensive FAQ library and Ask the Expert service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Speak with our experts<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n

Get expert HR guidance at your fingertips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Access trusted, up-to-date guidance and practical resources to help your team navigate HR compliance and employment law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Explore HR & Compliance Centre<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\n\n\n

Read more FAQs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n