Businesses 'still struggle with maternity leave'
08 May 2008Firms in Britain are still finding it hard to arrange maternity leave and sex discrimination claims against employers from pregnant women continue to rise.
Audrey Williams, head of discrimination law at Eversheds, told Personnel Today that many employers still discriminate against pregnant women and treat them differently from workers who do not have children.
At least 58 pregnant women working at financial news and data company Bloomberg have alleged that they faced sexual discrimination at the firm after becoming pregnant.
The female employees have filed claims against the company claiming that they were demoted, had pay cut and were denied opportunities within the firm. Filed on behalf of the women by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the lawsuit started with just three complainants in September 2007 and has grown steadily ever since.
Ms Williams explained: "When dealing with employees who are pregnant, it is important that employers have an audit trail, carry out risk assessments to identify possible hazards for pregnant workers, and resist the temptation to adjust the employee's role and responsibilities either during their pregnancy or upon their return to work (unless for legitimate reasons)."
Janine Funsch, 34, sued Bloomberg London last year for sexual discrimination after she was prevented from working part-time after having a child and settled out of court for an undisclosed sum, thought to be in six figures.
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