UK Wedding News
01/12/2016
Half of women who responded believe that their career opportunities have been negatively affected.
An investigation by the Equality Commission has found that half of women in Northern Ireland believe their career opportunities have been "negatively affected" by their pregnancy or maternity leave.
The report, 'Expecting Equality: A Formal Investigation under the Sex Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 1976', looked at the employment experiences of pregnant workers and mothers in the region.
It was found that the unfair treatment reported by women varied, but included termination of employment, having their role within a company changed – against their wishes, and losing out on salary increases or bonus payments compared to their colleagues.
Of the employers who took part in the research, a majority said that they provide support for pregnant employees and new mothers, referring to policies and practices they had in place including flexible working arrangements, childcare vouchers and return to work incentives such as phased return and bonus payments.
Some employers did identify challenges associated with managing pregnancy, maternity leave and return to work, with difficulties in providing for staff absences being of concern to small businesses in particular.
Dr Evelyn Collins CBE, Chief Executive of the Equality Commission, said: "Over one third of the women who talked to the Commission about their experiences said that they had been treated unfairly or disadvantaged because of their pregnancy or because they took maternity leave.
"They believe this affected their finances, their career opportunities, their status at work and their health. This is not acceptable, forty years after the introduction of legislation in Northern Ireland to provide protection from sex discrimination in employment.
"That said, it is encouraging that almost half the women who responded to this investigation thought their employer had been supportive during their pregnancy, and on their return to work, and we know that there are many employers who want to do their best for their employees, who follow good practice, and have effective policies in place for pregnant members of staff."
She continued: "The results of this investigation highlight the need for an increased focus on ensuring that workplaces are fairer for, and more supportive, of pregnant employees and new mothers.
"We have made a number of recommendations in the report, to improve access to advice and information for employers and for employees, to improve employers' practices and to highlight the economic benefits of utilising and retaining the skills and experience of pregnant workers and new mothers.
"We also want to encourage employers across all sectors to show leadership at a senior level to gender equality and to building an organisational culture that promotes gender equality in the workplace."
(JP)
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Half Of Pregnant Women 'Negatively Affected' In The Workplace
Half of women who responded believe that their career opportunities have been negatively affected.
An investigation by the Equality Commission has found that half of women in Northern Ireland believe their career opportunities have been "negatively affected" by their pregnancy or maternity leave.
The report, 'Expecting Equality: A Formal Investigation under the Sex Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 1976', looked at the employment experiences of pregnant workers and mothers in the region.
It was found that the unfair treatment reported by women varied, but included termination of employment, having their role within a company changed – against their wishes, and losing out on salary increases or bonus payments compared to their colleagues.
Of the employers who took part in the research, a majority said that they provide support for pregnant employees and new mothers, referring to policies and practices they had in place including flexible working arrangements, childcare vouchers and return to work incentives such as phased return and bonus payments.
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Some employers did identify challenges associated with managing pregnancy, maternity leave and return to work, with difficulties in providing for staff absences being of concern to small businesses in particular.
Dr Evelyn Collins CBE, Chief Executive of the Equality Commission, said: "Over one third of the women who talked to the Commission about their experiences said that they had been treated unfairly or disadvantaged because of their pregnancy or because they took maternity leave.
"They believe this affected their finances, their career opportunities, their status at work and their health. This is not acceptable, forty years after the introduction of legislation in Northern Ireland to provide protection from sex discrimination in employment.
"That said, it is encouraging that almost half the women who responded to this investigation thought their employer had been supportive during their pregnancy, and on their return to work, and we know that there are many employers who want to do their best for their employees, who follow good practice, and have effective policies in place for pregnant members of staff."
She continued: "The results of this investigation highlight the need for an increased focus on ensuring that workplaces are fairer for, and more supportive, of pregnant employees and new mothers.
"We have made a number of recommendations in the report, to improve access to advice and information for employers and for employees, to improve employers' practices and to highlight the economic benefits of utilising and retaining the skills and experience of pregnant workers and new mothers.
"We also want to encourage employers across all sectors to show leadership at a senior level to gender equality and to building an organisational culture that promotes gender equality in the workplace."
(JP)
Top stories
20/03/2020
LeToya Luckett-Walker Is Pregnant
Charlotte Crosby Finds New Romance
Lydia Bright Gets Candid About Giving Birth
Lana Del Ray Splits From Boyfriend
Angelica Ross Learns Of Boyfriend's Secret Life
Ashley Graham's Breastfeeding Struggle
Susanna Reid's Mother's Day Plans
Lin-Manuel Miranda Homeschooling Kids
Kristen Bell Speaks Of Pride For Daughters
Prince George & Princess Charlotte Now Homeschooled
