Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Pregnancy and Maternity (Redundancy Protection)

08 July 2020 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Maria Miller Con Basingstoke

EmploymentWomen & Equalities

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Maria Miller raised concerns about pregnancy and maternity (redundancy protection) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Moves a Bill to prohibit redundancy during pregnancy and maternity leave for six months after, except in specified circumstances.
  • Highlights that over 50,000 women annually face job loss despite legal protections.
  • Proposes a law similar to Germany's to protect pregnant women and new mothers from redundancy.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Maria Miller Con Basingstoke

Moves a Bill to prohibit redundancy during pregnancy and maternity leave for six months after, except in specified circumstances. Highlights the issue of more than 50,000 women being forced out of jobs annually despite legal protections. Emphasises financial challenges faced by pregnant women and new mothers due to the need for maternity leave, leading to downgraded jobs and income levels post-pregnancy. Cites a £17 million annual cost to the government from benefits and lost taxes. Proposes an effective law to protect pregnant women and new mothers from redundancy, with similar provisions used in Germany.

Other contributors (1)
  • Maria Miller Con Basingstoke

    Raises concerns over the financial challenges faced by pregnant women and new mothers due to the need for maternity leave. Points out that many women who lose their jobs during this period downsize to low-paid, part-time work well below their skill levels. Cites a report from McKinsey indicating that encouraging women's participation in work could add up to £150 billion to the UK economy. Emphasises that the current protections are inadequate and proposes a simpler protection model.

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