Extent of Pregnancy Prejudice
Extent of pregnancy prejudice in Britain's workplaces
Each year around 30,000 working women are sacked, made redundant or leave their jobs due to pregnancy discrimination, according to alarming new research findings released recently by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC).
The research quantifies, for the first time, how many pregnant women and new mothers say they are experiencing discrimination in workplaces across the country.
Of the 441,000 pregnant women that are at work each year, the EOC's research report reveals that:
Overall almost half (45%) of women who had worked while pregnant said they experienced some form of discrimination because of their pregnancy.
A fifth (21%) said they lost out financially due to discrimination.
One in 20 (5%) were put under pressure to hand in their notice when they announced their pregnancy.
The results were released as the EOC launched its 'Pregnant and Productive' campaign calling for urgent action to end unlawful treatment of pregnant women at work.
The EOC's campaign emphasises that the majority of employers are supportive of women during their pregnancy, and many are well aware of the business benefits of doing so. The EOC is working with employers and employees to find solutions to the problem.
Employees can also help themselves by being aware of their legal rights, says Julia Beasley, a solicitor specialising in Employment Law at Bristol law firm Burroughs Day.
For instance, during Ordinary Maternity Leave (OML), which lasts 26 weeks, a woman is entitled to the same terms and conditions (excluding pay) as if she had not been absent.
"This means that if she returns to work after OML, she is entitled to her job back - with any pay increases, seniority, pension and similar rights as if she had not been absent. And her period of OML must be treated as part of her continuous service when it comes to service-related benefits. "
"If the employer refuses to allow her to return to her old job following maternity leave, this is a dismissal. Depending on the circumstances, she may have a claim of unfair dismissal and sex discrimination."
"An employee who encounters problems should, in most cases, raise a detailed written grievance with her employer. If the problem is not sorted, she may be able to bring a claim in the Employment Tribunal. But the very first stage should be to take legal advice," adds Ms Beasley.
"If the employer refuses to allow her to return to her old job following maternity leave, this is a dismissal. Depending on the circumstances, she may have a claim of unfair dismissal and sex discrimination."
"An employee who encounters problems should, in most cases, raise a detailed written grievance with her employer. If the problem is not sorted, she may be able to bring a claim in the Employment Tribunal. But the very first stage should be to take legal advice," adds Ms Beasley.
Arabella Greatorex is the owner of http://www.naturalnursery.co.uk, an online store selling organic and fairly traded products for families including organic clothing and nappies, fairly traded toys and natural toiletries.
WNQA Articles:
Top 10 Abdominal Exercise Mistakes
All abdominal workouts are very popular as a part of fitness programmers Many people join health clubs and gyms with a dream to get a trimmer waist line, but get frustrated and quit exercising before they see any results
Getting in Shape with Modern Exercise Equipment
Fitness enthusiasts and figure conscious individuals can say hello to a brand new website that has been recently launched especially for them. www.GymFitnessExerciseEquipment.com is a one stop shop that carries a wide range of exercise machines, body building equipments and fitness accessories.
Nutrition, Diet, and Exercise
Whether you are trying to lose weight or live an active healthy life style, nutrition and exercise are vital to your health. We have become as a whole in the western culture, a couch potato, slow moving, over weight and flaccid society.
What Is Your Weight Loss Motivation
Are you self motivated to exercise and lose weight or do you struggle like most people do? when it comes to sticking to an exercise and diet program.
Group Fitness USA Launches Dance Exercise DVD for the Average Joe -- and Jane
Ordinary Americans can lose weight and get fit with DanceX Total Body Cardio Workout, a new, fun dance exercise DVD.
The Right Exercise Intensity
We've all heard the exercise guidelines that recommend we participate in 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity 3-5 times per week. That seems easy enough to implement.
The Importance Of Bodybuilding Exercise
As anyone engaged in bodybuilding will tell you, the process of building and sculpting muscle is one that requires intense focus and commitment. A dedicated diet and exercise regime is absolutely imperative to achieving bodybuilding goals. And as important as diet is, bodybuilding exercise is even more important.
Aromatherapy for Pregnancy
Aromatherapy involves using essential oils in their original form or in mixes, lotions, candles, etc., to help heal the body, relax and lift ones mood. Essential oils come for plants and are excellent for helping to keep the body and mind balanced. Pregnant women may especially benefit from aromatherapy because they are going through great physical changes and may feel especially achy, stressed and vulnerable. Well, with the proper precautions taken, pregnant woman can still take advantage of all of the healthful and psychological benefits of aromatherapy. In this article, we will discuss three guidelines to enjoying aromatherapy while pregnant.
Weight Loss by Dancing - Have Fun and Lose Weight at the Same Time!
Many people want to lose weight and achieve the body size that they aspire However, only a few people really take an action in achieving that body size
Weight Loss, Exercise, and New Years Resolutions – Why They Dont Work?
We have all set them, and we will revisit them again around January 1st. For some reason each year we feel it will be different this time around - only to forget the new gym membership, new clothes and new found inspiration about six weeks into the year.
New Body Needed: Benefits Of Cardio Workouts For Weight Loss And Heart Health
Are you concentrating on the physical aspects when contemplating the best cardio workout for weight loss? Don't stop there! Once you discover the psychological benefits, you will become hooked on fitness. Countless studies have proven the mood-enhancing effects of a 20 or 30 minute workout. From teens to seniors will experience this uplifting, invigorating result. Geared to create your new body? Ready to get ripped to burn belly fat? Let's see why a cardio workout for weight loss delivers the goods every time.
Can Quick Weight Loss Really Work?
Quick weight loss is promised by diets all the time. "Lose 10 pounds over night," the ads will scream.