Pregnant Women 'Face Rise In Work Discrimination'

Discrimination against pregnant women and new mothers in the workplace is increasing, with a report saying that some women are having their hours cut, being put on zero hours contracts or even forced out of their jobs.

Citizens Advice said it had seen a 25% increase in the number of people asking for advice on pregnancy and maternity issues in the past year, with more than 22,000 visits to its website.

One case was of a woman who asked the charity for help after her employer cut her weekly hours by more than half after she told them she was pregnant.

While her boss claimed there was simply not enough work available, he had also been taking on new staff.

Another woman had her contract ended while she was on maternity leave, only finding out after she contacted her employer to ask why she had received no maternity pay.

Citizens Advice chief executive Gillian Guy said: "Pregnant women should be supported at work, not made to fear for their livelihood.

"It is concerning that more and more new and expectant mums are experiencing discrimination issues at work.

"People with a baby on the way will have a lot on their minds already.

"The last thing they need is a threat to their income or job security.

"All employers should respect and uphold the rights of staff who are new parents or expecting a baby."

A Government spokesman said that discrimination was "unlawful and completely unacceptable".

"Attracting and retaining female talent is crucial to economic growth and, as well as being against the law, it does not make business sense for employers to alienate and discriminate against women in their workforce," he said.

"We are determined to stand up for all workers and are taking action to tackle discrimination at work against pregnant women and parents."