How ‘pervasive culture of mistreatment’ is causing pregnant women to leave their jobs
A “pervasive” culture of mistreatment in the workplace is forcing many women to lose their jobs due to pregnancy or parenthood, a new report has found.
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) found that one in seven women with children or expecting a baby have left their job or feel they have to leave.
This migration is often attributed to issues such as a lack of flexible working options and an “alarmingly high rate” of new and expecting parents being treated unfairly.
Many who faced such injustices or pressure to resign chose not to take action, citing stress or lack of knowledge of where to seek guidance.
The TUC’s research, which surveyed 3,000 adults, including 1,776 workers with children or expecting a baby, highlights a widespread pattern of mistreatment affecting new and expectant parents in UK workplaces.
TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “Having a baby should be a moment of joy, but a widespread culture of workplace mistreatment means too many parents are being denied the experience. Some are even being forced out of their jobs.”
“Change can’t come soon enough. The Employment Rights Act will provide long-overdue protections for families across the country. The government must now ensure these new rights are fully implemented as quickly as possible.”
