Firms join forces to tackle pregnancy discrimination

Some of Britain’s leading businesses are joining forces to help tackle pregnancy and maternity discrimination in the work place.

Barclays (LSE: BARC.L - news) , Royal Mail (LSE: RMG.L - news) and BT group (Other OTC: BTGOF - news) are among a number of companies forming an alliance to eradicate discrimination which affects around 390,000 pregnant women and new mothers annually.

The new coalition plans to set an example and encourage other businesses to make the best use of their female workforce and pledge to make the best working environment they can for pregnant women and new mums.

The Business Minister Margot James has applauded the move.

"I'm extremely encouraged that some of the UK's largest businesses have committed to the ECHR's new campaign and I urge other employers, large and small to add their support," she said.

The plan will involve sharing knowledge, experience and good practice with firms that sign up to the initiative.

David Isaac, chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission said that "attracting, developing and retaining talent, regardless of gender, is absolutely critical for the UK economy" and business.

He added: "We cannot accept women being unfairly treated at work because they are pregnant or on maternity leave.

"We are calling on employers to sign up to our initiative to commit to delivering equality and ensure working environments benefit everyone."

Last month, MPs (BSE: MPSLTD.BO - news) uncovered a "shocking" increase in discrimination against pregnant women and new mothers.

Figures released by the Commons Women and Equalities Committee suggest more than one in ten pregnant women and new mothers were either dismissed, singled out for compulsory redundancy or left their job because of poor treatment at work.