The Government must face up to the true scale of maternity discrimination in Britain, an MP warned today.
About 54,000 women leave the workplace each year during or after pregnancy, after being hit with demotion, pay cuts or compulsory redundancy.
Tribunal fees are then “pricing mothers” out of accessing their rights, according to Sarah Champion, shadow minister for women and equalities.
Ahead of a debate in Westminster Hall today, the Labour MP said: “The sheer scale of the problem under this Tory government is a real cause for alarm and has been made worse by the record rise in zero hour contracts and employment tribunal fees of up to £1,200 that are pricing mothers out of their employment rights.
“This Government is systematically turning back the clock on gender economic equality.”
The number of women forced out of work through maternity discrimination costs the public about £16.7 million each year, according to research carried out by the Government’s business department and the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
It found that one in nine women left work because they were targeted for compulsory redundancy, or were treated so poorly they felt unable to return.
One in five mothers said they had experienced negative comments.
A government spokesperson said “cost should not prevent anyone bringing claims”.
The Ministry of Justice has committed to extend its help with fees scheme for employment tribunals.
The Government is also looking at making sure new and expectant mothers in work have strong enough protection from redundancy.
