We regularly receive calls from women who have been posted to the UK and have been informed that their role is ‘redundant.’ Within a short call, it becomes apparent that there is no real redundancy situation. The reality is these women have been unfairly dismissed and discriminated against either because they are pregnant or because they have, or are planning to, take maternity leave.
Women are at particular risk of unfair redundancy during pregnancy and on return from maternity leave.”
The current legal framework is insufficient to protect these women from such unfair redundancies during pregnancy and maternity leave, and shortly after they return to work. The Government has recognised this. It has consulted on extending protections and has now announced that it will indeed do so. See further below.