Series gives maternity leave ‘Fatal Attraction’ treatment
IT’S the sensational new drama that’s set to do for maternity leave what Fatal Attraction did for adultery.
The Replacement is sure to be must-see viewing – particularly for working mothers-to-be – as it aims to reflect the grim reality faced by many pregnant women in the work place.
The three-part BBC series, set in Glasgow, stars Vicky McClure as Paula, an architect taken on by a firm to replace Ellen (Morven Christie), who is due to go on maternity leave.
As Ellen shows Paula the ropes, the two women find themselves jostling for power – and heading for a jaw-dropping cliffhanger. Experts last night said the real stresses of maternity leave are comparable with any fictional drama.
Figures from the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service reveal the number of maternity and pregnancy discrimination claims soared by 31 per cent last year.
According to Joeli Brearley, of maternity support website Pregnant Then Screwed, about two-thirds of pregnant women are mistreated. She said: ‘Ellen’s fears in the TV show are very valid. About 54,000 women lose their jobs for getting pregnant, and 77 per cent of working mothers endure discrimination in the workplace.’