Since 1975, it has been illegal to ask a woman about her plans for children or childcare in a job interview. Yet when Alan Sugar grilled a mother about her childcare plans on TV, there was barely a squeak of protest. And now everybody’s at it. Kira Cochrane reportsPicture this. You’re a woman in your early 40s, and have been employed at a firm you love for the past 12 years. You have always been committed, enthusiastic, and your hard work has paid off – you manage a big team and budget, are a recognised leader in your field, and are now just one rung away from that ultimate prize: a seat on the board. Ten weeks ago you became pregnant with twins, but have miscarried one, which has naturally made you worried about the overall prospects for the pregnancy. While you would ordinarily wait another fortnight before telling anyone at work that you are pregnant, you want to be able to leave for hospital in a hurry, and so, to avoid awkward questions, you decide to inform your HR director. Two days later, you’re called for a meeting with a board director. You have to resign immediately, he says. Continue reading…
Source : theguardian.com
Read more…Kira Cochrane on how women are discriminated at work because they are pregnant
