Major study launched into pregnancy discrimination at work

The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has today launched the largest ever investigation into pregnancy discrimination at work.

The announcement follows a survey from the infant charity Tommy's, that reported difficulties at work for pregnant women.

Although most people were generally supportive of working expectant mothers and knowledgeable about their employment rights, pregnant women are facing problems at work, according to survey results released today during Tommy's National Pregnancy Week.

The EOC published the findings to coincide with the launch of Britain's first ever investigation into pregnancy discrimination at work. More than 1,200 people were questioned in the survey which revealed that although the majority of people disagreed that pregnancy affects a woman's dedication to her career, a significant proportion knew an expectant mother who had experienced difficulties at work because of her pregnancy.

Of those questioned, 84% disagreed that a pregnant woman was less dedicated to her career, but 21% said that they knew someone who had experienced problems at work because of pregnancy. That figure rose to 33% among women aged 25-34. Experiences included facing unpleasant remarks or unfounded criticism, being given unsuitable work or even being sacked.

Additionally, 19% said that they did not think expectant mothers were treated fairly by their employers.

Both women and men showed a high level of awareness of pregnant women's rights: three-quarters knew that a pregnant woman was entitled to insist on being given time off for ante-natal classes and a similar number knew it was incorrect to refuse a woman a job if they know she is pregnant.

Jenny Watson, Deputy Chair of the Equal Opportunities Commission said: "The EOC's helpline receives more calls from women facing problems at work because of their pregnancy than on any other subject. We hear of quite appalling cases of women who have been demoted, disciplined or even sacked simply for having a baby. And this discrimination during pregnancy continues to happen despite a widespread understanding of pregnant women's employment rights. We urgently need to find out why.”

The EOC's ‘Pregnant and Productive’ investigation will run until February 2005 when the EOC intends to make formal recommendations to the Secretary of State.

(SP)