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Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Women Still Experiencing Discrimination when Pregnant

Government Proposes Enhanced Protection for Pregnant Workers

The Government has recently responded to a report by the Women and Equalities Committee. It referred to research which has found that 11% of mothers feel forced to leave their jobs, and has stated that it will "bring forward proposals to ensure that the protections in place for those who are pregnant or returning from maternity leave are sufficient".

Of course, women already have legal protection against discrimination due to pregnancy, so it will interesting to see what further measures can be introduced and whether they will be practical for smaller employers to take on board. Currently no timescale has been suggested for any changes, and we are likely to see a consultation exercise take place about proposed measures before any change in the law takes place.

It is worth noting that in the same document the Government has restated that Brexit "will not lead to a diminution of employment rights."