Experiences of Mothers and Employers: Pregnancy and Maternity-Related Discrimination and Disadvantage, 2014-2015

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) commissioned a programme of research to investigate the prevalence and nature of negative experiences and possible discrimination and disadvantage in the workplace among pregnant women at work and new mothers on their return to work. It also explores employer attitudes, approaches and challenges in managing pregnancy and maternity in the workplace.<br> <br> The results are based on survey interviews with 3,254 mothers and 60 follow-up in-depth interviews mothers, as well as 3,034 survey interviews with employers and 49 follow-up in-depth interviews with employers. The research covers the experiences of mothers working while pregnant, on maternity leave and returning to work as the mother of a young baby, and the experiences and views of employers regarding managing employees while pregnant, on maternity leave and returning from maternity leave.<br> <br>