Around 54,000 women face discrimination in the workplace as a result of pregnancy or motherhood
Around 54,000 new mothers may be forced out of their jobs in Britain each year, according to new research.
The findings are based on a survey of over 3,200 women by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
It found 11% of the women reported having been dismissed, were made compulsorily redundant when others in their workplace were not, or were treated so poorly they felt they had to leave their jobs.
If replicated across the population as a whole, this could mean as many as 54,000 women losing their jobs each year.
The research, carried out in partnership with the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, also found around one in five new mothers experienced harassment or negative comments from their colleagues, employer or manager when pregnant or returning from maternity leave.
This research reveals the worrying levels of discrimination and disadvantage at work that women still face today - Caroline Waters
It suggests that for some women pregnancy and maternity at work is not a positive experience. For example, 10% of pregnant woman said they were discouraged from attending antenatal appointments; 9% said that they were treated worse on their return to work than they were before pregnancy; and 7% said they were put under pressure to hand in their notice.
Disappointingly, even when mothers were give the opportunity to work flexibly, around half reported negative consequences such as receiving fewer opportunities at work or feeling that their opinion was less valued.
Caroline Waters, deputy chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: “This research reveals the worrying levels of discrimination and disadvantage at work that women still face today. Not only is discrimination unlawful, but it is also bad for business.”
The research did, however, show that most employers are firm supporters of female staff during and after their pregnancies and find it easy to comply with the law.
Reassuringly, 84% of employers said supporting pregnant workers and those on maternity leave is in the interests of their organisations and two thirds of mothers felt their employer supported them willingly during pregnancy and when they returned to work.
Dianah Worman, diversity adviser for the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, said: "The findings of this important research show how employers are losing female talent by default. It’s a wake-up call about checking against weak employment practices that cause such negative experiences for mums who want to work.
“It's time for employers to do some housekeeping in their organisations to make sure hidden problems and difficulties are surfaced and dealt with quickly to ensure they have both diverse and inclusive working environments."
Publication of this research marks the launch of the commission’s #worksforme awareness initiative to reduce pregnancy and maternity discrimination.
The commission is providing practical advice and information for women and employers on their rights and responsibilities, as well as a practical toolkit with a step by step guide for employers on managing pregnancy and maternity.
The #worksforme resources will help employers to understand what they must do when an employee is pregnant, on maternity leave or returning to work, and how to ensure they are creating an environment that works for everyone.
