§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have any plans to improve the legal protection available to women against dismissal as a result of pregnancy. [HL1533]
§ The Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Simon of Highbury)It is automatically unfair under the Employment Rights Act 1996 for an employer to dismiss a woman because she is pregnant, or for any other reason connected with her pregnancy or childbirth. Such a dismissal may also amount to unlawful discrimination under the Sex Discrimination Act 1975.
§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will introduce measures to protect pregnant women against dismissal for taking time off for ante-natal care. [HL1534]
61WA
§ Lord Simon of HighburyIt is already automatically unfair for an employer to dismiss an employee for asserting her right to time off for ante-natal care. Moreover, detrimental treatment on grounds of pregnancy may amount to unlawful sex discrimination under the Sex Discrimination Act 1975.