Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help (a) support women in the workplace and (b) help tackle (i) pregnancy and (ii) maternity discrimination.

Women’s equality is at the core of this Government's missions. As part of the Employment Rights Bill, we are introducing robust measures to support and safeguard working women. This includes strengthening protections against workplace sexual harassment and requiring employers to develop gender pay gap and menopause action plans.

The Employment Rights Bill will also make it unlawful to dismiss pregnant women, mothers on Maternity Leave, and mothers who return to work for a six-month period after they return – except in specific circumstances.

The Bill will also make Paternity Leave and Unpaid Parental Leave ‘day one’ rights and ensure flexible working is the default, except where it is not reasonably feasible. These changes will provide further support for both men and women balancing work and care.