Despite the many laws protecting women in the workplace in this modern age, announcing a pregnancy in the office can be accompanied by feelings of vulnerability and concern; and no group is more affected than 25-year-olds and younger, apparently.
According to new research, published by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), women under 25 years of age are six times more likely than their peers to be dismissed from a job following a pregnancy announcement.
The study revealed that 15% of mothers in this age category felt under pressure to hand in their notice upon becoming pregnant – just over double the 7% average of all pregnant female employees.
Even more concerning is the EHRC’s revelation that women within this age group tend to have a lower awareness of their employment rights.
Speaking after the release of the statistics, and ahead of the launch of a campaign to support young working mums-to-be, the EHRC’s Caroline Waters said that this trend is simply not acceptable.
"Young working mothers are feeling the brunt of pregnancy and maternity discrimination more than any other age group being forced out of their jobs, facing harassment and experiencing issues with their health as a result,” she said.
Are you within this age category, and can you relate to these findings?
