Ireland firms 'discriminating against mothers'

• 08 March 2010

  Employment law in Ireland may come into play after it was claimed that the recession has caused discrimination against pregnant women and new mothers in the workplace.
  
  Chairperson of the Equality and Rights Alliance Joanna McMinn told the Irish Times that women on maternity leave were being used as "soft targets" to make cuts.
  
  "It is against the law and despite 30 years of legislation against it, we are seeing evidence that this particular form of discrimination is getting worse because of the recession," Ms McMinn stated.
  
  Some cases saw cuts to maternity pay, bullying on returning to work and being denied certain employment arrangements, it was reported.
  
  Calls to Free Legal Advice Centres - which is affiliated with the Alliance - concerning maternity issued rose to 14.3 per cent from 1.3 per cent in less than one year.
  
  UK employment law states that mothers who are employed have a statutory right to a minimum amount of maternity leave, according to the government.
  
  For further information on any of our Employment Law services or to find out how we can assist you please call us on 08456 122 144.
  
  Posted by James Hill

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