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Arena Magazine 2004 Issue 2 |
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Discrimination complaints soar
A thousand women a year take legal action claiming they were sacked for being pregnant, a new report has revealed.
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) claims this figure is the tip of the iceberg.
In 2002, the number of pregnancy-related unfair dismissal claims was 957, compared to 778 in 1996.
Between 1996 and 2002, 7,461 claims were lodged with 37 per cent ending in the employee's complaint being upheld. The average payout was £2,000.
The findings are the first to emerge from a comprehensive EOC survey, actively supported by Usdaw, into pregnancy discrimination at work.The report coincides with Usdaw's own survey of women members and their treatment while pregnant.
"Every year, the union deals with hundreds of members having problems at work while they are pregnant or on maternity leave," said women and equalities officer Ruth Cross. "We receive more enquiries on pregnancy and maternity than any other enquiry.
"Our survey aims to uncover the truth behind the treatment of pregnant workers. We will be putting a strong case to both the EOC and the Government for improvements in the current legislation."
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