As increasing numbers of women are seeking advice about pregnancy and maternity discrimination at work, new guidance has been launched to give women clear advice on their rights, as well as what action they can take against employers who they feel have discriminated against them. The document also works to help employers’ ignorance in matters concerning pregnant women in the workplace, with employers who do not follow new guidance finding themselves facing an employment tribunal.
‘Employers can no longer use the excuse they were unaware’
The guidance was published by Acas, the employment advisory service. They released the advice after it was revealed that they received 14,004 calls last year about issues surrounding pregnancy and maternity. This was up on 12,814 calls received in 2015.
The head of diversity and inclusion at Acas, Julie Dennis, spoke of the importance of the document, saying: ‘Women should not suffer any unfair treatment while pregnant or on maternity leave and most employers treat their employees fairly’
She said that those who fail to treat all employees fairly can and will find themselves faced with employment tribunals.
She said that the new guidance, which includes a section advising new mothers about going for promotion while on maternity leave, will help allow managers to deal with women who are pregnant are on maternity leave fairly, in areas including promotion, recruitment and redundancy.
Joeli Brearley, the founder of Pregnant then Screwed, a support group for women who have experienced pregnancy or maternity discrimination, has praised the release of the updated guidance, saying that anything which gives employers advice on how to deal with pregnancy and maternity as a good thing. She said: ‘Managing pregnancy and maternity within a business can feel daunting.’
She also spoke of the stories that she had heard from women who had come to her group for support, saying that a large number of cases they heard from those who had been discriminated against could have been fixed or even avoided had the employer been aware of their legal responsibilities to their workers, as well as keeping an open dialogue with their employees.
She said that the publication of this document means that employers can no longer hide behind ignorance of their obligations, and the excuse that they were unaware that their actions amounted to pregnancy or maternity discrimination.
She has also said that the publication of one document will not be the end of pregnancy discrimination, describing the issue as a ‘growing problem.’ She said that as well as the introduction of this document, we need to see the government take control of the situation, introducing new legislation that protects mothers, and places more accountability on employers.
She added that the most important thing is to tackle the ‘underlying issues which make employers discriminate against pregnant women and new mums.’
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For experts in employment law, including pregnancy discrimination claims, call Lloyd Donnelly Solicitors now on 01652641145 today, or fill out our online enquiry form here.
