"Pregnancy discrimination report suggests 'half of women' affected", 29 Nov 2016

Half of women questioned by the Equality Commission in Northern Ireland believe their career opportunities were negatively affected by having a baby.  About a third reported unfair treatment by employers upon returning to work.  The online survey of 906 women formed part of the commission's first detailed investigation into the issue..."Over one third of the women (36%) who talked to the commission said they had been treated unfairly or disadvantaged because of their pregnancy or because they took maternity leave,"..."They believe this affected their finances, their career opportunities, their status at work and their health...The type of unfair treatment included being made redundant, overlooked for promotion, unwanted role change, loss of bonuses and negative attitudes.  Issues during pregnancy included problems getting off for doctors' appointments and no health and safety risk assessment.  The women involved in the investigation had a good level of awareness of employment rights but there was a reluctance to take formal action either within the organisation or to an employment tribunal...The report contains a number of recommendations, including improving access to advice and information for employers and employees, and promoting good practice and policies...