'Raw deal' misery of pregnant workers
PREGNANT women are still getting a raw deal in the workplace, according to a Manchester-based survey. It found that the majority of women who tell their boss they are expecting do not receive an encouraging reception.
IGNORED: Pregnant women feel pressured
PREGNANT women are still getting a raw deal in the workplace, according to a Manchester-based survey.
It found that the majority of women who tell their boss they are expecting do not receive an encouraging reception.
Equalities officer Ruth Cross spent two months coordinating the survey by the shopworkers' union Usdaw.
From the union's headquarters on Wilmslow Road, Ruth found that much needs to be done to make employers aware of their responsibilities to staff.
The study also found that:
62 per cent of women said their employer showing a negative attitude to them once they announced their pregnancy.
25 per cent were made to feel marginalised or ignored.
22 per cent were not given paid time off for pregnancy-related medical appointments.
70 per cent were not given a risk assessment of their job once pregnant - even though the law requires one to be carried out.
40 per cent received no response or unhelpful suggestions when they told employers they were experiencing difficulties with parts of their job because of the pregnancy.
Ms Cross said: "The vast majority of problems that women were experiencing at work were about pregnancy.
"The findings will help us talk to employers about this issue. We will also be sending our findings to the Equal Opportunities Commission."
The Equal Opportunities Commission is due to meet with the government early next year to discuss possible changes to the law in relation to pregnant working women.
Ms Cross added: "Women are set to be the majority of the workforce. They are the backbone of many industries.
"And there can be benefits to a company if they treat pregnant members of their workforce properly. It means that pregnant staff can continue working for as long as possible.
"And if they have been treated properly they are more likely to return to work after having a baby, which means the employer does not have to spend money and time recruiting and training up a full-time replacement."
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