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Blooming marvellous or hard labour?

EOC launches investigation into pregnancy discrimination

Representatives of employers, trade unions, government and advice organisations met in early December to discuss Pregnant and Productive, the Equal Opportunities Commission's investigation into pregnancy discrimination in employment.

The EOC recently released results from a small survey which showed that 21 per cent knew someone who had experienced problems at work because of their pregnancy. That figure rose to 33 per cent amongst women aged 25-34.

Over the years, pregnancy and maternity discrimination has been the most common type of sex discrimination complaint made to the EOC helpline. Experiences of discrimination ranged from unpleasant remarks, unfounded criticism, being given unsuitable work or even being sacked.

Jenny Watson, deputy chair of the EOC said: "This discrimination during pregnancy continues to happen despite a widespread understanding of pregnant women's employment rights. We urgently need to find out why."

The investigation will run until February 2005 when it intends to make formal recommendations to the government and will cover

	the extent and impact on women and families,
	the reasons for poor management of pregnant workers,
	the changes that need to happen
	a review of UK law and literature
	a survey of employers to assess knowledge of legal responsibilities
	interviews with employers who have been found to discriminate
	a far-reaching survey of women to explore the incidence of pregnancy discrimination

If you have been treated unfairly because of your pregnancy the EOC wants to hear from you. Log on to www.eoc.org.uk/pregnancy and complete the form asking for details of your experience.

If you need urgent advice contact the NUJ straightaway to speak to an organiser in your region/industrial sector - numbers are available on the NUJ website, www.nuj.org.uk or you can call 020 7278 7916 (NUJ switchboard).

The EOC has a new leaflet: Pregnancy and maternity at work - your rights, available by ringing the EOC helpline (0845 601 5901) or download from the EOC website.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has also launched a campaign to highlight discrimination suffered by women who become pregnant at work.

Under Irish employment legislation a pregnant woman is fully protected from discrimination or harassment in the workplace but the everyday reality is that too often these workers are dismissed or discriminated against.

The ICTU has a number of recommendations that they are pushing the Irish Government to implement.

These include:

	a public information campaign on the rights of pregnant workers
	the development of fast track procedures to deal with complaints
	a removal of statutory limits on levels of compensation and the introduction of a minimum level of compensation no less than one year's pay

If you have experienced similar discrimination the ICTU wants to hear from you - comments are being posted on their website. See www.ictu.ie/html/campaign/pregnancy.

Published by the NUJ Equality Council
Email LenaC@nuj.org.uk

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