Rachael Maskell MP has committed to work to end pregnancy discrimination in the workplace, supporting a call by the charity Maternity Action. New Government research has found that 54,000 women lose their jobs each year because of pregnancy discrimination, 100,000 women experience harassment or negative comments and 53,000 are discouraged from attending antenatal appointments.

Rachael Maskell MP says:
“All pregnant women and new mothers are entitled to a safe and secure working environment and it is very disappointing that so many women are encountering problems at work.

“I am 100% behind the work Maternity Action are undertaking to highlight these issues within the workplace and strongly support a cross-Government strategy to take action on pregnancy discrimination.

“Poor treatment at the time of pregnancy or maternity leave can have long-lasting consequences for a woman’s future employment and pay prospects and we know from research by the TUC, that during the recent recession, the number of tribunal claims for unfair dismissal and suffering a detriment because of pregnancy rose by a fifth.

“This is completely unacceptable and I will continue to fight for Women to be supported to assert their rights and have effective protection against dinosaur employers who ignore their legal obligations.”