Commons Sense

House of Commons · Bill Debate

The Pregnancy and Maternity (Redundancy Protection) Bill

03 February 2023 · 9 other contributors

Opened by Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North

EmploymentWomen & Equalities

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

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

Key points

  • The Bill aims to ensure job security for over 50,000 pregnant women and new parents annually by prioritising them in redundancy situations.
  • The legislation seeks to address the statistic that three out of four women experienced pregnancy and maternity discrimination in 2016, leading to 54,000 women losing their jobs annually.
  • The Bill proposes extending the time limit for employment tribunal claims to six months to provide better access to justice.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North

I am proud to bring this Bill to the House today, which aims to make a real difference to more than 50,000 pregnant women and new parents each year by ensuring job security during parental leave. The Bill places a statutory duty on employers to prioritise soon-to-be parents and new parents in redundancy situations, offering them suitable alternative vacancies. This addresses the shocking statistic from 2016 that three out of four women experienced pregnancy and maternity discrimination, with 54,000 women losing their jobs annually due to pregnancy. The Bill also seeks to extend the time limit for employment tribunal claims to six months, providing better access to justice. It aims to protect new mothers by not imposing a qualifying period for family leave.

Other contributors (9)
  • Catherine West Lab Hornsey and Friern Barnet

    My hon. Friend is making an excellent speech and I am delighted that his terrific Bill is already on its Third Reading. The Bill not only supports families but also provides a spur to the economy by encouraging people to maintain their life in work.

  • Matt Rodda Lab Reading Central

    My hon. Friend is making an excellent point. This is hugely important work, and I commend the work he has done and praise both the CBI and the Trades Union Congress for their support of this important Bill.

  • Gareth Bacon Con Orpington

    Supports the Bill, highlighting its necessity despite initial regulatory hesitations. He notes that the Employment Rights Act 1996 will be amended to protect women during and after maternity leave from unfair redundancy practices. Cites statistics showing up to 54,000 new mothers are dismissed annually due to pregnancy or maternity leave. Argues for improved job security at critical times in families' lives and reduced conflicts with costly legal cases.

  • Angela Richardson Con Runnymede and Waverley

    Supports the Bill, emphasising its importance for pregnant women and new parents. Cites personal experience of discrimination during job interviews in early 2000s due to pregnancy assumptions. References a 2016 study by the Equality and Human Rights Commission that found one in nine mothers reported being dismissed or treated poorly because of their maternity status. Highlights clause 1(4) allowing protection post-miscarriage.

  • Gagan Mohindra Con South West Hertfordshire

    Supports the Bill and calls for continued efforts to support new parents, especially women. Highlights that becoming a parent is both exciting and anxiety-inducing due to job security concerns. Cites statistics from his constituency showing higher proportions of young families compared to national averages. Emphasises the need for flexible work conditions and job security during maternity leave and upon return to employment. References a 2015 EHRC survey indicating significant minority faced difficulties including forced redundancy post-pregnancy. Advocates for nurturing workforce rather than pressuring employees. Supports wealth creators and SMEs, noting that such legislation is appropriate given cross-party support and positive outcomes from BEIS consultations.

  • James Wild Con North West Norfolk

    Welcomes the Bill's introduction and commends the cross-party support. Highlights research indicating that around 54,000 mothers may lose their jobs each year due to discrimination during pregnancy or maternity leave. Emphasises the need for regulatory measures to extend protections beyond current legal frameworks, stressing the importance of government consultation with business organisations and trade unions to ensure smooth implementation without significant costs.

  • Imran Hussain Lab Bradford East

    Acknowledges widespread support for the Bill and its necessity. Reiterates that the legislation is long overdue given historical research indicating severe discrimination against pregnant women and new mothers. Emphasises the need for detailed regulations to be issued by the Government soon, as well as addressing issues such as the six-week rule which may exclude certain groups from protection.

  • Kevin Hollinrake Con Thirsk and Malton

    Supported the Bill, highlighting its importance for workers' rights alongside business considerations. Emphasised the economic challenges businesses face and the need to balance worker protections with financial burdens on firms (£30 million initial costs). Acknowledged the long-term impact of the pandemic on labour markets globally and praised the measures as a 'sweet spot'.

  • Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North

    Expressed gratitude for contributions made by Members and organisations. Acknowledged the Bill's aim of protecting women laid off due to pregnancy, emphasising collective effort from Yorkshire MPs.

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