Context
One in four women experienced discrimination during pregnancy or maternity leave due to the pandemic. Germany offers stronger protections against such discrimination.
Question
In Germany, women who are pregnant or on maternity leave cannot be made redundant, to avoid any hidden discrimination. With one in four women who are pregnant during the pandemic experiencing discrimination here at home, is it not time for the UK to look carefully at adopting a similar approach to that taken in Germany?
Answer from Paul Scully
I thank my right hon. Friend for pushing her private Member's Bill and for her concern in this area. I was pleased to meet her. Germany has a far more prescriptive labour market. We support the intention behind her Bill but, having undertaken a full consultation in 2019, we have decided on a different approach, working with the grain of our current regime and extending the existing protection afforded to a new mother on maternity leave into pregnancy and for a six-month return to work period. We will introduce these changes as soon as parliamentary time allows.
Not addressed: Adopting Germany's approach specifically
How: Working With The Grain Of Our Current Regime
Was this summary accurate? Tell us
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)