The Employment Protection Act introduced a limited right to maternity leave and pay; and a right to return to work after having a baby.
Eligible women were entitled to a maximum of six weeks at 90% pay; up to 11 weeks ante-natal leave and up to 29 weeks post-natal; and, for the first time, a right to return to work after having a baby. Dismissal was unfair if on grounds of pregnancy or maternity. Women had to have been employed for two years with the same employer to qualify.
Only around half of working women were eligible.