It was reported in the press this week that there has been a significant increase in workplace maternity and pregnancy discrimination in recent years.
Since 2005, the number of expectant mothers forced to leave their jobs has doubled to 54,000 because of maternity and pregnancy discrimination. This is despite the enhanced protection currently in place that seeks to protect pregnant women and new mothers in the workplace.
The Women and Equalities Committee has released a report which tackles the issues new or expectant mothers face in the workplace. They have made a number of recommendations in respect of maternity and pregnancy discrimination, including:
- Women in the UK to have similar protection to women in Germany, where female workers can only be made redundant in specific circumstances
- Reduce the current fee of £1,200 to take an discrimination claim to the Employment Tribunal
- Increase the current time limit from three month to six months to bring a maternity and pregnancy discrimination claim in the Employment Tribunal
- Additional protection for new and expectant mothers who are casual, agency or zero-hours workers including paid time off for antenatal appointments.
How Can Nelsons Help?
If you believe you have experienced maternity or pregnancy discrimination, or would like advice regarding these issues, please contact us to speak to a member of our employment law team on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.