Jessica O'ConnorThe number of new and expectant parents losing their jobs or experiencing unfair treatment at work remains “alarmingly high”, according to analysis from the Trades Union Congress (TUC).
New polling commissioned by the TUC showed that more than one in seven women (14%) who have children or are expecting a child have lost their job, or felt forced to leave their role, due to pregnancy or becoming a parent.
In addition, over one in five women (21%) reported experiencing unfair treatment at work, alongside more than one in 10 new fathers (14%).
Reasons given by women for being pushed out of work included changes to working hours, roles or conditions that made continued employment difficult, negative treatment or pressure, inability to secure flexible working, and concerns that redundancy decisions were linked to pregnancy or parenthood.
Beyond job loss, unfair treatment was reported throughout pregnancy, during parental leave and on return to work.
Forms of unfair treatment cited included unpleasant comments from employers or colleagues (17%), being given unsuitable work or workloads (16%), being denied access to flexible working (16%), bullying by line managers (14%), and missing out on promotions (13%).
The polling also indicated that many affected parents do not challenge their treatment.
Among those who experienced unfair treatment, dismissal or felt forced to leave their job, 37% took no action.
The most common reasons included the stress involved in taking action (42%), not knowing where to access advice or support (28%), and not realising that their experience might be unfair or unlawful (26%).
The findings come as the Employment Rights Act, which received Royal Assent shortly before Christmas, introduces stronger protections for new and expectant parents, including enhanced dismissal protections for pregnant women and new mothers returning from maternity leave.
The Government is currently consulting on how these provisions will operate in practice, with implementation expected in 2027.
Paul Nowak, TUC general secretary, said: “Having a baby should be a moment of joy.
“But a pervasive culture of mistreatment at work is robbing too many parents of that experience. Some are even being forced out of their jobs.
“Change can’t come soon enough. The Employment Rights Act will deliver long-overdue protections for families across the country.
“Government must now ensure that these new rights are introduced in full as quickly as possible.”
