Joanna Robson is a legal expert specialising in employment and maternity law. Here she answers some common work related questions, whether you are a mum-to-be, about to return or already a mum who works: Q. How do I qualify for Statutory Maternity

Q: I've just found out I'm five months pregnant but am due to start a new job. Should I tell my new employer and can they dismiss me within my probationary period as a result?A: Legally, you don't have to tell your employer until you give notice

Q: I've just found out I'm five months pregnant but am due to start a new job. Should I tell my new employer and can they dismiss me within my probationary period as a result?A: Legally, you don't have to tell your employer until you give notice

Apprentice host Alan Sugar has spoken out about laws protecting women saying that employers should be able to ask female applicants about their plans to have children. He says that it turns interviews into a 'psychological charade' with employers

shifts for the remainder of your pregnancy.Most employers undertake a workplace risk assessment once you tell them you're pregnant, and one such risk factor is working night shifts.Your employer must do whatever is reasonable to prevent such a risk

treatment throughout pregnancy and for 12 months after the birth. Your GP or midwife will provide you with the appropriate form to send off for an exemption certificate.Self-employed? Contact your local benefits office to find out whether you’re eligible

in multiples of complete weeks and consecutively. To be entitled to take APL, the father must have been employed by their employer for at least 26 consecutive weeks at the 15th week before the expected week of child or adoption placement. Can a father take

to understand them. Currently, all employed mums-to-be are entitled to Ordinary Maternity Leave (OML), no matter how long you've been in the job or how many hours a day you work. Also, if you go back to work straight after your OML you have the right to return

, three months on half pay, for instance), you don’t get statutory maternity pay on top, but you do get it once your enhanced deal ends.Can my partner take time off, too?All men in employment when their partner gets pregnant are entitled to two weeks

It's pretty stressful having a new baby to look after, so rope in all the help you can get. Some employers have their own paternity leave arrangements, which are more generous than the statutory entitlement.Fathers to be do not have the right