Thousands sacked for being pregnant

More than 1,000 women take legal action every year claiming they were sacked simply for being pregnant, it was revealed today.

The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) said pregnant women face pay cuts, demotion, hostile treatment and unsafe working conditions, and a report by the Equal Opportunities Review has revealed half of the cases before employment tribunals last year related to pregnancy and childcare issues.

One in four women who made a tribunal claim had been sacked within hours or days of announcing she was having a baby. The commission said the impact this could have on their lives and the health of their baby could be " disastrous".

Women now make up almost half of the workforce and about 350,000 working women become pregnant every year.

One interviewed by the EOC said her manager told her after she announced her pregnancy: "You silly girl. Have you considered an abortion?"

Another said she went from being a top saleswoman to a " liability".

The commission said the report, which was published to mark National Pregnancy Week, showed there are "huge holes" in many people's understanding of the law.

It is now calling for the Government to offer more support to employers and families, and to ensure the law is properly followed.

Chairwoman of the EOC, Julie Mellor, said: "Some employers knowingly flout the law but many simply don't know what their responsibilities are or what help with costs is already available from the Government."

Unlawful discrimination cost employers ?4.3million last year, with 376 cases heard.