How can you help us tackle maternity discrimination? Read about the Maternity Alliance’s new Action Plan.
On 29 October, Maternity Action launched their Action Plan to tackle pregnancy and maternity-related discrimination.
This document is the result of the input and expertise of the Alliance for Maternity Rights which is made up of a number of parents, organisations and unions, including NCT.
The launch event included a panel session with speakers from Maternity Action and NCT, as well as one mum who shared her experience of discrimination.
Jo Swinson, Chair of Maternity Action, opened the discussion by outlining the “urgent and huge problem of pregnancy discrimination” today.
The Action Plan is a list of changes which must be made in order to tackle pregnancy and maternity-related discrimination against women returning to work.
“Every year, 54,000 women are forced to leave their jobs because of pregnancy discrimination. One in 10 women are denied the time to attend antenatal appointments. This is not a positive experience of work or parenthood.”
Emily Thornberry, MP for Islington South & Finsbury, who also attended the launch, affirmed that: “Women should be treated as a proper resource and not as a cost to business.”
This was echoed by NCT’s Senior Policy Advisor, Elizabeth Duff: “Businesses should invest in women and their partners.”
We need to take action now because the situation is unfortunately getting worse. Latest statistics show that there has been an 80% increase in women losing their jobs because of discrimination since 2006.
Amelia (pictured, far right) is one of these women. She told us her shocking story of discrimination when she was pregnant with her first child.
“I felt like I was an inconvenience to my employer. I was facing an impossible dilemma with no support.”
She added: “Barriers for women are still embedded in our work culture. Women have to jump through hoops to return to work.”
If you find yourself experiencing discrimination, Ros shares her tips for parents:
Take a look at our article about dealing with discrimination on our website.
Ros Bragg, Maternity Action’s Director, told us: “There’s no silver bullet but we do need a comprehensive Government strategy. We also need to actively campaign and take action on maternity rights.”
We need to campaign about maternity rights.
And you can help make a difference.
Email your MP to ask them to support the campaign by writing to Margot James, Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Corporate Responsibility, asking for swift action to bring an end to unfair and unlawful treatment of pregnant women and new mothers in the workplace.
Watch the Maternity Action panel discussion if you weren’t able to attend on the day.
Maternity Action is the UK’s leading charity committed to ending inequality and improving the health and well-being of pregnant women, partners and young children.
We have lots of useful information about pregnancy and work, as well as returning to work on our website.
