Can my employer dismiss me while pregnant?
No: dismissing a pregnant employee or new mother during the protected period is automatically void. Dismissal is prohibited and absolutely void throughout pregnancy + 18 months after birth (Law 3896/2010, Art. 15, and Law 4808/2021, Art. 48). It's void even if the employer didn't know about the pregnancy. Employed fathers are protected for 6 months after the birth. The burden of proof is reversed: the employer must prove a serious cause unrelated to maternity. With a void dismissal, the relationship never ended and back wages are owed for the whole period. In short: no, barring a genuine serious cause.
📋 The rules
- Dismissal of a pregnant employee/new mother: absolutely void
- Protection: pregnancy + 18 months after birth
- Void even if the employer didn't know
- Employed fathers: protected 6 months
- Reversed burden of proof: the employer must prove it
🔓 Exceptions
- Serious cause unrelated to maternity, written & notified
- Genuine business closure / lawful fixed-term expiry
- Reduced performance due to pregnancy: never serious cause
⚠️ Penalties & fines
A dismissal in the protected period is void, i.e. the relationship did not end: the employer owes back wages for the whole period plus interest, and the employee can claim reinstatement. Claims are brought via the Labour Inspectorate or the courts. Beware myths: "protection is only 12 months" — outdated (now 18); "the employer must have known about the pregnancy" — wrong (void even without knowledge); "fathers get no protection" — outdated (6 months since 2021). To protect yourself: notify the pregnancy in writing, keep evidence, and if dismissed turn promptly to the Labour Inspectorate.
📎 Official sources
- Law 3896/2010 (Art. 15) — equal treatment →
- Law 4808/2021 (Art. 48) — maternity protection →
- Labour Inspectorate →
❓ Frequently asked
Can my employer dismiss me while I'm pregnant?
No. Dismissing a pregnant employee is automatically void, throughout the pregnancy and for 18 months after birth. It's void even if the employer didn't know about the pregnancy, unless there's a serious cause unrelated to maternity.
How long does the protection last?
It covers the whole pregnancy and 18 months after birth. The claim that protection is only 12 months is outdated. Employed fathers are also protected, for 6 months after the child's birth.
Is there an exception?
Yes, only for a serious cause unrelated to maternity, which must be in writing and notified to the Labour Inspectorate, as well as for a genuine business closure or lawful expiry of a fixed-term contract. Reduced performance due to pregnancy is never a serious cause.
What if the employer didn't know I was pregnant?
The dismissal remains void even if the employer didn't know about the pregnancy. Ignorance doesn't excuse them. That's why dismissal of a pregnant employee is considered absolutely void, unless a genuine serious cause unrelated to her condition is proven.
What am I entitled to if dismissed unlawfully?
Since the dismissal is void, the employment relationship is treated as continuing. You're entitled to back wages for the whole period, with interest, and can claim reinstatement. Claims are brought via the Labour Inspectorate or the courts.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “dismissal pregnant employee void”
- “maternity protection 18 months”
- “law 4808/2021 article 48”
- “dismissal new mother”
- “father protection 6 months”
- “back wages void dismissal”