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New mothers and pregnant women “experiencing more discrimination in the workplace” (3 May 2016)

Date: 03/05/2016
Duncan Lewis, Family Solicitors, New mothers and pregnant women “experiencing more discrimination in the workplace”

The charity Citizens Advice has reported a 25% increase in the number of parents reporting pregnancy and maternity discrimination in the last year – and is warning of a growing problem with new and expectant mothers being treated unfairly at work.

There has also been a 22% increase in people seeking online help – with the charity’s web advice viewed 22,000 times over the last 12 months.

Between April 2015 and March 2016, nearly 2,000 people turned to Citizens Advice for help with pregnancy and maternity discrimination – an increase from just over 1,500 in the previous 12 months.

In four out of five cases, people were also seeking help with problems at work – one-third of which were about redundancy or dismissal.

Evidence from Citizens Advice reveals that pregnant women and new mothers have had their working hours cut, been put onto zero-hours contracts, experienced pressure to return to work early from maternity leave and – in extreme cases – have been forced out of their jobs.

Citizens Advice says one woman had her hours cut by her employer by more than half after she told them she was pregnant – her employer claimed there was not enough work available to keep her on her previous hours, despite taking on new staff at the same time.

Another woman contacted her employer to find out why she had not received any maternity pay and was told the company had ended her contract while she was on maternity leave.

Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy said:

“Pregnant women should be supported at work – not made to fear for their livelihood.

“It is concerning that more and more new and expectant mums are experiencing discrimination issues at work.

“People with a baby on the way will have a lot on their minds already – the last thing they need is a threat to their income or job security.

“All employers should respect and uphold the rights of staff who are new parents or expecting a baby.”

Recent research by the Equality and Human Rights Commission reveals that more than three-quarters (77%) of mothers reported a negative or possibly discriminatory experience at work during their pregnancy, maternity leave or on their return to work.

It is against illegal for employers to discriminate against their employees by refusing to uphold their maternity rights at work.

Duncan Lewis Family Solicitors

Duncan Lewis family solicitors can advise on parental rights in the workplace – and how to take action against an employer who discriminates against an employee protected by the Equality Act 2010.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and in most major cities – and Duncan Lewis is also able to advise employers on their legal duties to employees, including advising on cases involving claims for discrimination or unfair dismissal.

For expert legal advice on parental rights in the workplace, call Duncan Lewis family solicitors on 0333 772 0409.


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