Dismissal due to Maternity
Termination of employment based on an employee's pregnancy, childbirth, or maternity leave, which is generally prohibited.
Definition
Dismissal due to maternity refers to the termination of an employee's contract of employment on grounds related to her pregnancy, childbirth, maternity leave, or breastfeeding. The Protection of Maternity Law in Cyprus explicitly prohibits such dismissals, establishing a protected period during which an employer cannot terminate a woman's employment. This protection typically commences from the moment the employer is informed of the pregnancy and extends for a significant period after the end of maternity leave. Exceptions are narrowly defined and generally relate to serious misconduct by the employee, cessation of the business, or expiry of a fixed-term contract, provided these reasons are entirely unrelated to the maternity status. In cases of alleged unlawful dismissal, the burden of proof often rests with the employer to demonstrate that the termination was for legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons. This prohibition is a cornerstone of maternity protection, ensuring job security for new mothers.