Boosting Protection For Women
Boosting Protection For Women Returning From Maternity Leave
There have been several cases before employment tribunals where women employees returning from maternity leave have been penalised and subject to discrimination.
We have brought such a case to you in the past specifically in this newsletter. Now the government is taking steps to boost protection for women employees returning from Maternity leave.
Currently, women on maternity leave have special protection in a redundancy situation and must be offered a suitable alternative vacancy where one is available in priority over other employees at risk of redundancy.
The government is backing the Pregnancy and Maternity Discrimination Bill. This proposes to introduce regulations to extend this protection to employees during their pregnancy and after they return to work from maternity leave. The length of the protected period is not specified in the bill.
It has not been confirmed as to when the enhanced protection will come into force.
The Graham Agency, keeping you informed.