High-profile Investigation into Pregnancy Discrimination at Work

Pregnant women still continue to face problems at work, according to survey results released today during Tommy's (the baby charity's) National Pregnancy Week. The Equal Opportunities Commission published the findings to coincide with the launch of Britain's first ever investigation into pregnancy discrimination at work.

The EOC's investigation - 'Pregnant and Productive' - will run until February 2005 when the EOC intends to make formal recommendations to the Secretary of State. The Commission will be carrying out substantial new research as part of the investigation.

This will include a survey of employers to assess their knowledge of their legal responsibilities in relation to pregnant employees and to identify examples of good practice, and nterviews with employers who have acted in a discriminatory way against pregnant women to explore the circumstances and outcome of the discrimination.

Patricia Hewitt, Secretary for State and Minister for Women said: comments: "Employers who discriminate against pregnant women are breaking the law and could be liable to pay compensation. They are being foolish and harming their own businesses by excluding talented women from the workforce."

Employers can find information on managing pregnancy at work online at:
www.eoc.org.uk/cseng/advice/maternity.asp.
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