Pregnant Women And New Mothers Expected To Get Extra Legal Protection Against Discrimination At Work | HuffPost Life

'We are committing to making sure new and expectant mothers have sufficient protections.'

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Life editor at HuffPost UK

Pregnant women and new mothers are expected to be given greater protection against discrimination in the workplace, MPs have revealed.

A consultation on “strengthening” the existing law against issues such as redundancy, will be launched “in due course”.

Business Minister Margot James said, according to the BBC: “There should be zero tolerance of discrimination against pregnant women, or women who have just given birth.

“That’s why today we are committing to making sure new and expectant mothers have sufficient protections from redundancy.”

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James, who is MP for Stourbridge, added that the consultation’s main aim is to ensure new and expectant mothers are treated fairly by their employers.

She added that some businesses do not abide by the current law, which is why they are now committing to tighten women’s rights.

“It makes no business sense,” she added. “The Government is committed to taking action to tackle this problem.”

The proposed protection is expected to last from when a woman becomes pregnant until the end of her maternity leave.

James advised women in the workplace to join a union, after highlighting that the Equality and Human Rights Commission said women are treated better in workplaces that recognise trade unions.

The Guardian reported that the plans “dismissed” calls for an extension to the three-month time limit to bringing cases to employment tribunals. It also did not respond to recommendations to lower fees for these claims.

Concerns about the consultation have been raised by Joeli Brearley, found of Pregnant Then Screwed, an organisation campaigning for changes to reduce discrimination.

“The Women and Equalities Select Committee put forward some good recommendations, but we believe this piece of legislation runs a serious risk of increasing discrimination over the long term,”she told The Huffington Post UK.

“What this recommendation doesn’t consider are the 40% of managers who say they would avoid hiring a woman of childbearing age, as dealing with maternity leave is onerous and expensive.

“This legislation places the onus back on employers and makes managing maternity even more difficult.

“The government needs to take some responsibility and show some leadership if they are serious about decreasing the numbers of women who endure pregnancy and maternity discrimination, rather than placing more pressure on businesses.”

The move comes after ministers in August 2016 called for “urgent action” from the government, to ensure there is not a further escalation in the number of pregnant women being forced out of their jobs.

They suggested greater protections for pregnant women, similar to those found in Germany.

Maria Miller, a Conservative MP, said at the time: “The economy will suffer unless employers modernise their workplace practices to ensure effective support and protection for expectant and new mums.

“The government’s approach has lacked urgency and bite. It needs to set out a detailed plan outlining the specific actions it will take to tackle this unacceptable level of discrimination.

Before You Go

Pregnancy worries and words of comfort

I have no morning sickness! Is that bad news?(01 of10)

You might have read things about how morning sickness signifies a healthy level of pregnancy hormones – but not having morning sickness does not mean you're lacking! Although many women suffer with it (and 'suffer' really is the word), many other women do not. Some women have it one pregnancy, but not in another. Attend all your usual checks and count yourself as one of the lucky ones! (credit:Alamy )

I drank before I knew I was pregnant, I might have harmed the baby(02 of10)

This happens to many, many expectant mums, and it's unlikely to be a cause for concern at all. Mention it to your GP/midwife, and just keep off the booze now, until you can enjoy a celebratory glass of fizz when your bundle arrives. (credit:Alamy )

I'll lose the baby(03 of10)

It's estimated about one in five pregnancies ends in early miscarriage, and it's thought most of those occur simply because the foetus wasn't developing properly. It does happen, but don't let it rule your thoughts because the vast majority of pregnancies do succeed. Try not to worry and remember that once you're into the second trimester, the chances of miscarriage is dramatically reduced. (credit:Alamy )

My baby might not be 'perfect'(04 of10)

It's estimated that one in 16 babies in the UK is born with a birth defect – but this figure refers to all birth defects, and many are mild and can be treated. So it's likely your baby won't have a birth defect, and even if they do, they will be perfect in their own way – remember support is available for every eventuality. Take your folic acid and attend your antenatal screening appointments. (credit:Alamy )

I won't make it to the hospital on time(05 of10)

You might have read terrifying stories about pregnant women giving birth in car parks and taxis – but these stories make it to the news because they are extraordinary, in the literal sense of the word! It very rarely happens, and most women get plenty of warning that labour is beginning. So plan well, and all is very likely to be fine. (credit:Alamy )

I might have to have a c-section(06 of10)

If you do end up needing a c-section, you might feel disappointed – but believe us, in the moment the only thing you'll really care about is the safe delivery of your baby. It won't be the end of the world and you won't care a jot when your baby is in your arms. (credit:Alamy )

I won't be able to cope during labour(07 of10)

There is just no telling how labour will be for you, so don't worry about it now. Make your birth plan, discuss it with your partner and midwife, and go with the flow on the day (it's okay to change your mind!). There will be lots and lots of help and support at your disposal. Not to mention drugs, should you need them. (credit:Alamy )

Labour will humiliating (will I poo on the bed?!)(08 of10)

You've heard about that then? It can happen, but the doctors and midwives have seen it all – they have experienced every possible scenario. They won't be worrying about things like that, so neither should you. (credit:Alamy )

I don't know how to be a mum(09 of10)

No-one does until they become one! Every new mum feels like they're winging it in the early days. As your baby grows and you get to know them, you'll learn. Trust in the fact that just about every mother has gone through it… and survived. (credit:Alamy )

I'm worried about gaining all that weight(10 of10)

You will put on weight, yes – but it's normal and nothing to be afraid of! Much weight gain is actually down to the baby, the placenta, extra blood in your system and the retention of water. Pregnancy changes your body in myriad ways – just enjoy it, and let your body just do its thing at this special time. Remember, there's no need to 'eat for two'… but eat what you need and don't count calories. (credit:Alamy )

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