Maternity leave and working hours - Legal aid office

Questioner

My wife works in the hospitality industry. She has a 38-hour contract for an indefinite period. Now she is pregnant and would like to work one day less. This was not possible, she could come back for 24 hours, or else be dismissed for economic reasons. I think this is not possible just like that.

Lawyer

That is indeed not allowed. There is a legal right to reduce working hours. That is only different if the employer would demonstrably get into serious trouble as a result. And companies with fewer than 10 employees have their own scheme. People are allowed to work less, but conditions may be set for that. For further advice/assistance, you can contact one of the employment lawyers here directly without obligation, e.g. via the 'direct contact' link that you will see with this answer if you are logged in. I'm happy to help you with this.