Pregnant Women - Useless?
by Liam
In an Employment Tribunal in Kent, the Managing Director of a company called Safetel is reported to have described a relatively new and previously highly regarded Sales Director who fell pregnant as “useless” and said she “would never be the same again”. He is reported to have told her that her company car would be downgraded to a “run around” and that he was “tempted to dismiss and take the consequences”.
The Sales Director’s subsequent appraisal stated her “pregnancy has quite naturally had an adverse effect on her ability, motivation and dedication”.
Unsurprisingly, the Tribunal upheld a claim of Sex Discrimination. Damages will be dealt with at a remedies hearing in February. It is reported that damages could be as much as £200,000.00.
Employers should take this as a lesson in how not to deal with pregnant employees. We recommend taking legal advice to any employer who has a need to take any disciplinary action, deal with redundancy or dismiss a woman who is pregnant or on maternity leave as although the above is an extreme example of blatant discrimination, it is also easy for comments or behaviour that were not intended to cause any harm to be misconstrued and result in a claim!
Another way employers can help avoid discrimination in the workplace (which could cost the employer as they are vicariously liable for their employees’ action) is to ensure employees are trained properly in equal opportunities and understand what behaviour is acceptable. One cost effective way of doing this is through online training such as Dignity at Work.
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