Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Caroline Lucas (Green Party) on Tuesday, 17 October 2017, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 19 October 2017. It was answered by Margot James (Conservative) on Monday, 23 October 2017 on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Redundancy: Pregnancy

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to paragraph 70 of the Women and Equalities Committee's report of Session 2016-17, Pregnancy and maternity discrimination, HC90, whether he plans to implement a system similar to that used in Germany under which pregnant women and new mothers can be made redundant only in specified circumstances.

Answer

The Government response to the Women and Equalities Select Committee report said that we would consider further and bring forward proposals to ensure that the protection in place for those who are pregnant or returning from maternity leave is sufficient.

Protection already exists through the Maternity and Parental Leave etc Regulations 1999. Where redundancy means that it is not practicable to continue to employ a woman on maternity leave under an existing contract, Regulation 10 requires an employer to offer appropriate alternative employment on terms which are not substantially less favourable. We are considering the implications of extending this right into the period when a new mother returns to work and into the period while she is pregnant and at work. In terms of initial consultation, we have also sought the views of the Alliance for Maternity Rights on other potential measures.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
108335
Session
2017-19
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Conditions of employment Redundancy Mothers Pregnancy
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk