The Government has launched a consultation on proposals to strengthen employment protections for pregnant women and parents returning to work following the birth of their children.
One of the most eye-catching proposals that the Government has put out to consultation is increased protection against redundancy for new mothers, to six months following their return to work.
The consultation is also seeking views on whether equivalent protections should apply to adoptive parents and those returning from shared parental leave.
Prime Minister, Theresa May, said: “People in this country already benefit from some of the most rigorous workplace standards in the world, including parental leave and pay entitlements, but we are determined to do even more as we leave the EU.
“It’s unacceptable that too many parents still encounter difficulties when returning to work. Today’s proposals are set to provide greater protection for new parents in the workplace, and put their minds at ease at this important time.”
Samantha Randall, a Solicitor with Palmers, who specialises in employment matters said: “Although it is illegal to discriminate against workers either as a result of being pregnant or taking paternity leave, such discrimination still occurs.
“A worryingly high number of new parents still find that, on their return to work, they have to deal with unacceptable attitudes which effectively leads to them being forced out of their jobs. Any move to further strengthen their employment rights is to be welcomed.
“However, as the proposals are still at the initial consultancy stage it may be some time before the law is changed. In the meantime, it is important to remember that discrimination laws still apply and any worker who feels they are being unfairly treated – either because of pregnancy or after returning to work following maternity leave – should seek legal advice.”
For help and advice on all aspects of employment law, please contact us.