54,000 British women lose their jobs each year due to maternity leave discrimination
According to a new report published by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, women returning from maternity leave are more likely to face discrimination in the workplace than they were 10 years ago. The report estimates that every year around 54,000 new mothers lose their jobs across Britain — stunningly, twice the number identified in 2005 research. Even worse, 10 percent of women report being discouraged from attending doctor’s appointments by their employers. Additionally one in 20 women reported receiving a cut in pay or bonus after returning to their jobs. Justine Roberts, chief executive of the parenting website Mumsnet told The Guardian, “Despite legislation designed to protect women from discrimination in the workplace, it’s clear that in many cases, companies are simply not following the rules.”
