Charity’s helpline is helping to tackle discrimination against pregnant women, new mothers and flexible workers
 
According to some recent press reports, it is time to stop harping on about gender equality: the sex wars have ended.  But in the current economic climate, it appears that pregnant women and new mothers still face discriminating employment practices.  Others find that their hard won flexible working hours are withdrawn under the cover of “reorganisation”.
 
Working Families Chief Executive, Sarah Jackson, said:
 
“Our helpline team hears daily reports from pregnant women and women on maternity leave who have suffered poor treatment at work.  Discrimination against women is common.   
 
“Sadly, too many employers are using the recession as a cover for reneging on their family friendly policies and equality duties.  As well as being short sighted, discrimination is illegal.  Any woman who thinks they have been badly treated because they are pregnant or on maternity leave should call our free helpline on 0800 013 0313 for expert legal advice. Our legal advisers don’t just let women know their rights at work, but can help them fight discrimination when it occurs”
 
Recent cases reported by the Working Families helpline team include:
• A woman returning from maternity leave being given the shifts that no-one else wanted as her employer told her that being on leave meant she had “drawn the short straw”.

• Discriminatory practice at interview:  a telephone interview was promptly ended when the potential employee explained she was pregnant.

• A woman who had been working as part of a jobshare was made redundant by an employer who wanted one person to do the whole role.  (Working Families advisers helped the woman argue her case and draft a letter to her boss:  she stayed in her job)
 
 
Employees can contact the charity’s free helpline in confidence on 0800 013 0313 if they are concerned about discrimination at work when pregnant, on maternity leave or as a part-time or flexible worker.