Discrimination against mothers is in the news. The Women and Equalities Committee has reported that the number of expectant and new mothers forced to leave their jobs has almost doubled to 54,000 since 2005.
One issue is that despite protective legislation including the Equality Act 2010 too few women pursue their pregnancy and maternity rights in employment tribunal. The Committee’s report has been published online. The BBC has also commented.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37222674
The issue is not new and was covered in our article ‘Pregnancy and Maternity Rights’. However, it is worrying that so little progress is being made. Discrimination against mothers is hardly the hallmark of an advanced Western economy.
The problem is not so much the law, but people not choosing to enforce the law. If workers do not pursue claims bad employers will breach the law with impunity. That is very much the case with pregnancy and maternity rights. By analogy with the criminal law, the harshness of penalties is not what primarily deters the wrongdoers, it’s the likelihood of getting caught. Bad employers are more likely to become legally compliant when faced with a realistic prospect of being sued. Discrimination against mothers is a problem we can address.
The reasons why the victims are not making more of a stand takes us into political considerations including the fact that the current government seems intent on cutting costs at the expense of justice and turning the courts and tribunal system into revenue generating business.
If you have been unfairly treated or have been subjected to discrimination because of motherhood or pregnancy we would like to hear from you. It is only by challenging discrimination against mothers that we can effect change.
For information on any aspect of employment law including discrimination against mothers, particularly if you are looking for employment solicitors in Cambridge, call Cambridge Legal on 01223 776200 or email enquiries@cambridgelegal.co.uk