Protect mums, pleads MP

The UK Government must take a tougher stance to stop pregnant women and new mothers being targeted for redundancy, Kirsten Oswald MP has said.

Westminster will set out its programme for the year ahead in the Queen’s speech on Tuesday.

And the East Renfrewshire MP says it must include proposals to tackle workplace discrimination.

The SNP spokesperson on Women and Equalities added: “Because of the lack of statutory protection, thousands of women lose their job every year just when family finances are coming under most pressure.

“The current law only protects women until their return from maternity leave.

“It does not stop employers using pregnancy as an excuse to cut labour costs, with the actions of some employers described as a ‘classic case of unfair and unlawful redundancy’.”