Extent of Pregnancy Prejudice

Extent of pregnancy prejudice in Britain's workplaces

Each year around 30,000 working women are sacked, made redundant or leave their jobs due to pregnancy discrimination, according to alarming new research findings released recently by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC).

The research quantifies, for the first time, how many pregnant women and new mothers say they are experiencing discrimination in workplaces across the country.

Of the 441,000 pregnant women that are at work each year, the EOC's research report reveals that:

? Overall almost half (45%) of women who had worked while pregnant said they experienced some form of discrimination because of their pregnancy.

? A fifth (21%) said they lost out financially due to discrimination.

? One in 20 (5%) were put under pressure to hand in their notice when they announced their pregnancy.

The results were released as the EOC launched its 'Pregnant and Productive' campaign calling for urgent action to end unlawful treatment of pregnant women at work.

The EOC's campaign emphasises that the majority of employers are supportive of women during their pregnancy, and many are well aware of the business benefits of doing so. The EOC is working with employers and employees to find solutions to the problem.

Employees can also help themselves by being aware of their legal rights, says Julia Beasley, a solicitor specialising in Employment Law at Bristol law firm Burroughs Day.

For instance, during Ordinary Maternity Leave (OML), which lasts 26 weeks, a woman is entitled to the same terms and conditions (excluding pay) as if she had not been absent.

"This means that if she returns to work after OML, she is entitled to her job back - with any pay increases, seniority, pension and similar rights as if she had not been absent. And her period of OML must be treated as part of her continuous service when it comes to service-related benefits. "

"If the employer refuses to allow her to return to her old job following maternity leave, this is a dismissal. Depending on the circumstances, she may have a claim of unfair dismissal and sex discrimination."

"An employee who encounters problems should, in most cases, raise a detailed written grievance with her employer. If the problem is not sorted, she may be able to bring a claim in the Employment Tribunal. But the very first stage should be to take legal advice," adds Ms Beasley.

"If the employer refuses to allow her to return to her old job following maternity leave, this is a dismissal. Depending on the circumstances, she may have a claim of unfair dismissal and sex discrimination."

"An employee who encounters problems should, in most cases, raise a detailed written grievance with her employer. If the problem is not sorted, she may be able to bring a claim in the Employment Tribunal. But the very first stage should be to take legal advice," adds Ms Beasley.

Arabella Greatorex is the owner of http://www.naturalnursery.co.uk, an online store selling organic and fairly traded products for families including organic clothing and nappies, fairly traded toys and natural toiletries.

---

What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

Ectopic is another way of saying "out of place". An... Read More

Keeping Cool When Pregnant

Chill Out: how to keep your cool this summerWhen the... Read More

Womens Health - Pregnancy Nutrition is for All Women of Child Bearing Age

During pregnancy your nutrition needs are going to increase. Even... Read More

Pregnancy Symptoms

There are many early signs that you may be pregnant.... Read More

Sex & Pregnancy...Do They Mix?

As a pregnant woman, you may experience sex drives much... Read More

Glutathione for a Healthier Pregnancy

All parents-to-be nurture the dream of a healthy pregnancy and... Read More

Vitamin C Prevents Pregnancy Complication

Women who supplement with a small amount of vitamin C... Read More

The First Warning Signs of Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be exciting or daunting, depending on the circumstances.... Read More

Benefits of Exercise When Pregnant

Exercising during pregnancy is always a very good idea, and... Read More

The Ins and Outs of Being a Doula

A doula is a Greek word meaning "woman servant." Doulas... Read More

Will I Get Stretch Marks? If I Do, What Can I Do?

It doesn't seem possible at the outset of pregnancy, but... Read More

Mommy Is Having A Baby!

Preparing for a new arrival from the beginning of your... Read More

Pregnancy Sex - Its A Wonderful Thing!

Mums to be can often get worried about having sex... Read More

Blimpy: Pregnancy Weight Gain

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women... Read More

Planned Parenthood Prevents Teen Pregnancy

Planned Parenthood is an alternative for teenagers when they do... Read More

Chill Out, Mama! Four Tips on Managing Stress in Pregnancy

One of the best gifts you can give your baby... Read More

Baby Shower Gift Ideas

Selecting a present for a new mom or dad can... Read More

Get Back Your Pre-Pregnancy Abs With Side Planks

The foundation of fitness for a mom is her abdominal... Read More

Exclusively Pumping Breast Milk

It is commonly recognized that breast milk is the best... Read More

Why Pregnant Women Get Stressed and Depressed?

If you are a pregnant mother or soon will be,... Read More

Weight Loss After Pregnancy - The Final Word

One point can't be emphasized enough. Weight loss takes time... Read More

Pregnant? Did You Know You Can Begin Bonding as Early as 8 Weeks into Pregnancy?

Maybe someone you know has rented or purchased a fetal... Read More

Life After Birth

LIFE AFTER BIRTH: THE FIRST 6 WEEKSLife after birth can... Read More

After Birth Weight Control

After having given birth; weight becomes a lasting issue for... Read More

The Sleepless Challenge

For me, it was "welcome to motherhood". Ready or not,... Read More

Why Shouldnt I Smoke During Pregnancy?

There are a lot of good reasons to quit smoking,... Read More

Start Growing Healthy Children Before Getting Pregnant

When I was in my early 20's, I read Adele... Read More

Dietary Precautions During Pregnancy

When you are pregnant, you should be sure to wash... Read More

Planning a Healthy Pregnancy

Looking for healthy lifestyle pregnancy information? Here are some steps... Read More

Pregnancy Week By Week

There are three stages of pregnancy. These are the first,... Read More

When Your Nipples Need Band-Aids - A Breastfeeding Problem

In the olden days, mothers were told to toughen their... Read More

Problems Associated With Teen Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the pivotal moments of a woman's... Read More

Hyperpigmentation - Skin Discoloration - Pregnancy Mask

First and foremost I want to start by emphasizing that... Read More