EOC warning on pregnancy discrimination

Thursday, 30 June 2005 12:00 AM

Pregnancy discrimination is causing thousands of pregnant women to be forced out of their jobs, the government's equality watchdog is warning.

A report by the Equal Opportunity Commission reveals that seven in every ten expectant mothers are likely to be treated unfairly.

Tens of thousands of women are forced out of their positions at work each year, it claims, and those that are miss out on £12 million of statutory maternity pay.

The organisation calculates that employers themselves spend approximately £126 million in finding suitable replacements.

Jenny Watson, acting chair for the EOC, said: "Pregnancy discrimination has a huge impact on their lives, but the harm it does to our economy affects us all.

"It's time for honesty about the scale of the problem."

The EOC study finds an "unprecedented desire" among both employees and employers to tackle the issue.

Both women and businesses must be better informed of workplace rights, the EOC argues, particularly as pregnant mothers ousted from the workplace became less likely to return subsequently.

The report also says that employers have the right to ask expectant employees for a clear indication of when they intend to resume work.

The commission is also urging the Government to offer small businesses financial assistance to cover maternity leave.

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