What is the true scale of pregnancy discrimination claims?
A recent BBC article published today talks about how the true scale of pregnancy discrimination claims is hidden due to them being settled out of court or parties being asked to sign confidentiality clauses.
Director, Andrew King, comments:
“This highlights what was already very apparent in many businesses, women are often in a very vulnerable position once they have announced that they are expecting or take maternity leave.
“Many women are on much reduced income whilst on maternity leave, receiving the statutory maternity payments of 90% of their average weekly earnings in the first 6 weeks and then just £140.98 a week for the following 33 weeks (or 90% of their average weekly earnings, whichever is lower). Reduced income, uncertainty over their employment or loss of employment and a new baby to prepare for is not an ideal situation for anyone to be in when considering legal action.
“It is not surprising that many women feel that they are unable to argue with their employers and feel that agreeing a settlement out of court will bring a quick solution at a difficult time.”
Lennons undertake an array of employment law issues with a speciality in maternity discrimination.