Pregnancy discrimination

Over 1,000 women take legal action every year claiming they were sacked for being pregnant, according to a new report from the Equal Opportunities Commission.

Stakeholder Response: Institute of Directors

A spokesperson for the Institute of Directors, said: "It goes without saying that women who have children should have employment protection. Maternity rights are fundamental in a civilised society. The vast majority of employers are only too ready to recognise this and make the necessary accommodations. They recognise that the next generation has to be born and nurtured; many are parents themselves. And they also recognise that it makes business sense to look after all their key employees - whether male or female or whether parents or childless. It may sound hackneyed but a contented workforce really is likely to be more productive and stable. High staff turnover, with the need to recruit new people, is costly and time-consuming."

Stakeholder Response: British Retail Consortium

Kevin Hawkins, BRC director general, said: "Retail is a sector that values all employees and every retailer will always try to keep up good practice and keep up to speed with any new legislation affecting pregnant employees, but like any other sector, we are not perfect and mistakes happen.