Plea to protect pregnant workers

Pregnant women in Scotland can face discrimination in the workplace

Pregnant women in Scotland are more likely to suffer from workplace discrimination than those elsewhere in the UK, according to statistics.

The Equal Opportunities Commission Scotland research found 54% of pregnant working women in Scotland had experienced discrimination.

This compared to 50% of women in England and 38% of those in Wales.

EOC Scotland is urging the Scottish Executive to implement a three-step plan to protect pregnant workers.

Of the 23,000 pregnant women in Scotland who have experienced discrimination each year, about one in 20 sought specialist help, EOC Scotland said.

Women should not be made to suffer as a result of pregnancy Rowena Arshad EOC Scotland commissioner

It said three quarters of the women who had suffered discrimination were frightened of reporting the incident to their manager for fear of harming their job stability.

EOC Scotland found that on average six women every month lodged a complaint of pregnancy discrimination.

It is calling for:

• A written statement of maternity rights and employer responsibilities, with a tear-off slip for the woman's employer

• A 'tool kit' written by EOC Scotland setting out good practice for large and small businesses

• Financial support for businesses

Rowena Arshad, EOC Scotland commissioner, said the benefits of managing pregnancy at work successfully were in everyone's best interests.

'Economy protection'

"Our investigation found not only is pregnancy discrimination still a problem in Scotland, but importantly if pregnancy and maternity arrangements are managed effectively, this issue could be avoided completely," she said.

"Over two thirds of women in Scotland are in employment and employers and the economy cannot afford to lose their skills and experience.

"Women should not be made to suffer as a result of pregnancy and they should be able to speak out about discrimination without fear or repercussion."

EOC Scotland hosted a reception in Edinburgh on Wednesday where it asked people to pledge their support for "delivering an end to pregnancy discrimination in Scotland".