Since 2005, the number of expectant and new mothers forced to leave their jobs has nearly doubled to 54,000 says a report from the Government’s Women and Equalities Committee.
As part of the report, the Committee has recommended the UK adopt a German-style system under which new and expectant mothers can only be made redundant in specified circumstances (for example by seeking a court order or where the company suffers severe financial difficulties leading to multiple redundancies).
The report has also suggested, amongst its other recommendations, that there should be a “substantial reduction” in the tribunal fees for bringing a pregnancy-related discrimination claim and that the three month time limit for such a claim should be doubled to six months.
Business Minister Margot James said: “It is completely unacceptable that pregnant women and new mothers are apparently being forced to quit their jobs because of outdated attitudes.
“Tackling this issue is a key priority of mine and this government and I would like to thank the committee for its important work. We will consider its recommendations carefully and respond in due course.”