The trade and industry secretary has launched an investigation into pregnancy discrimination, accusing a firm of "Victorian management practices" after a receptionist was sacked for becoming a mother.

She said the investigation, to be carried out by the Equal Opportunities Commission, would seek to "introduce employers like this to the facts of life in the 21st century".

Hewitt also laid into the management of steel firm Corus, blaming them for the 1150 job loses announced this week.