Pregnancy/maternity discrimination to be tackled as new group meets

A new working group meets in Glasgow for the first time today to create guidelines for tackling pregnancy and maternity discrimination in the workplace and encouraging best practice.

Chaired by Minister for Employability and Training Jamie Hepburn, the working group will look to improve the recruitment, retention and development of pregnant workers, as well as increase access to flexible working when women return from maternity leave.

Its remit includes developing governance; reviewing and enhancing guidelines; ensuring that employers, in particularly small to medium sized businesses, have more access to advice; and strengthening the advice pregnant women receive through NHS channels.

Equality & Human Rights Commission (EHRC) research published in 2015 found that 11% of women interviewed reported having been dismissed, made compulsorily redundant, or felt that they had to leave their jobs when they were pregnant or on maternity leave; and that 51% of mothers had received negative treatment like having their job responsibilities removed after requesting more flexible arrangements on their return to work.

Mr Hepburn commented: “It is hugely disappointing that in 2016 pregnant women or new mothers returning to work after maternity leave should face discrimination in the workplace.

“Clearly circumstances vary, but ultimately we want to ensure that no-one is forced to choose between pursuing their career or their family responsibilities. Employers need to be more flexible wherever possible and give everyone the same opportunities to work.

“Our new working group will look at how we can remove these barriers and show employers that flexible working can boost morale and productivity."

Alastair Pringle, director of EHRC Scotland added: “We are happy to be involved in this important working group which will pool resources towards reducing pregnancy and maternity discrimination in Scotland.

“Our research highlights flexible working as a key area of discrimination and disadvantage, where attitudes and behaviours in the workplace have not kept pace with legislation. Employees have the right to request flexible working and while most of the employers we interviewed were willing to accept these requests, many mothers reported negative consequences for making them."