Women are Forced into Impossible Decision; Career or Kids

by Meg Kneafsey – YEUK Youth Ambassador

Research from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) found that 77% of pregnant women and new mothers experience discrimination or negative treatment during pregnancy, maternity, and on their return from maternity leave. This is a staggering increase from 2005, when 45% of women reported this discrimination. Although concerning that any women are still experiencing this shameful discrimination despite legislation, the fact that this is on the rise is even more worrying.

On Thursday 14th July, the issue of maternity and pregnancy discrimination was debated in Parliament. As a YEUK Ambassador, I was invited to attend the pre-debate that was co-chaired by Gareth Thomas MP and the EHRC. With a keen interest, both as young woman and a general advocate for equality in the workplace, it was a fantastic opportunity to see how MPs are directly informed and supported by organisations and testimonials related to the issue at hand. Not only did I present a ‘youth perspective’ but I was interested to see how legislation might ensure that women were not doing two jobs – being expected to work full time and take on the majority of housework and childcare.

What was pronounced throughout the discussion and debate was not a lack of legislation – indeed legislation is clear and hard on discrimination of this type – but a societal attitude towards women who have children. These attitudes and behaviours manifest themselves subtly, even when employers are aware of the law, many still approach the idea of motherhood as a ‘burden’ on productivity.

Backed by facts and figures from the EHRC, Maternity Action, the Young Women’s Trust and Citizens Advice, the discussion also included harrowing testimonials from women who had faced discrimination first-hand. It was clear that this is an issue that affects women from all backgrounds, of all ages, and at any point in their career. Although certain groups, such as young women, were found to be more vulnerable to this discrimination.

Not only considering that having children is a necessity for our society to continue to thrive, these attitudes reflect an archaic notion of parenting with the belief that women are less committed to work after having children. This assumption is not made about men. Men are not questioned about their future plans for marriage and children, neither do they have their commitment to their work scrutinised at the announcement of their first-born, and their job security is not threatened through the choice to have children. It sounds ridiculous if we frame these assumptions at men, but there is still a societal expectation that women should be responsible for the majority of domestic unpaid labour.

It’s not all doom and gloom though. As well as presenting the issues, potential solutions were also discussed. Firstly, a simpler framework for employers and women would guarantee that all parties involved knew what was expected from them. Challenging current loopholes was also discussed including employers using ‘excuses’ to not accommodate for pregnant or working women. A larger emphasis on shared parental leave was also advised; showing that both parents should and can be involved with their child’s upbringing and not leaving the burden on women. Emphasis was placed on ensuring that women knew their rights in the workplace and it was suggested that medical professionals were best-placed to inform women – if given more time and opportunities to discuss this during their work.

Interestingly, research demonstrated that many women were simply unaware of their rights. They accepted the unfair treatment they were dealt. Although employers have a responsibility to follow the law, they’re not perfect. Knowing your rights and articulating them is a simple step to making sure your employer follows the law. Unfortunately, a lot of the time employers are unclear about their responsibilities. There’s lots of support out there to ensure you’re in the know, including the ‘Power to the Bump’ campaign that empowers mums with the knowledge and resources to ensure their pregnancy and return to work is properly accommodated.

Apparently a change of societal attitudes is hard to implement. However, the government seems to have been able to reduce smoking, encourage people to have their ‘5-a-day’, and tackled FGM. Is it really that impossible to change attitudes towards new mothers?

It will be interesting to see how the government handles this complex topic, especially when developing policies post-Brexit. Particularly I’m keen to watch the work on the Women and Equalities Committee that will continue to scrutinise and suggest solutions. As a young woman entering the workforce, it’s disheartening to hear that we are still facing this type of discrimination. I am pleased, however, to see that it is being addressed. For now, it is important that we give women in this position our full support.

I would recommend other Youth Ambassadors to attend a pre-debate discussion if given the chance. Not only do I feel more informed about an important topic, but seeing the process demonstrated how – if passionate about a cause – we can lobby MPs and reach them directly before they present their case in the House of Commons.

 

Aged 16-24? If, like Meg, you’d like opportunities to share your views on our website and to attend events and debates to represent the views of young people, sign up as a YEUK Youth Ambassador today!

Discover Youth Friendly Employers

VHR Technical Recruitment The VHR talent academy can help you get into a successful technical recruitment career - with NO experience! EXPLORE Essex Youth Service Aged 13-25 and live in Essex? Get involved in fun activities, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and online Plan B Traineeships. EXPLORE Get Into Teaching You can get a teaching degree for FREE with apprenticeships! EXPLORE Severn Trent Careers Discover opportunities for apprentices, graduates and undergraduates in the office and beyond! EXPLORE Careers in Racing Horse racing is a great career choice! British Racing is the 2nd largest spectator sport after football. EXPLORE Careers in Eyecare From healthcare lab to high street fashion - you don't need a degree to open your eyes to eyecare careers EXPLORE Historic England Discover early careers in heritage for all backgrounds, skills and interests. EXPLORE Coca-Cola EuroPacific Want to work for one of the most well-known brands in the world? They work hard to develop their young people! EXPLORE Aspiration Training Traineeships & Apprenticeships in childcare, dental nursing, teaching, health/social care, and business admin EXPLORE Catch22 Youth Services Want to overcome barriers in life, whatever your background? Want employers to give you a chance? We can help. EXPLORE Prezzo Restaurant Careers Prezzo offers so many early careers, from cooking great food and giving great customer service to managing like a boss! EXPLORE ABP Foods Apprenticeships, graduate schemes and an AMAZING early careers academy in the world of sustainable food EXPLORE Working in local government Local government touches everyone's lives every day EXPLORE Coach Core Apprenticeships See how Coach Core Apprenticeships get you into sport careers EXPLORE Environment Agency Careers Our work helps to protect and improve the environment to make it a better place for people and wildlife. Join us! EXPLORE Generation: Free Skills Training Get FREE skills and careers training today! Generation gives you skills and connects you with employers to find a job fast. EXPLORE Haven Joining Haven is more than just a job. Our early careers are a breath of fresh air! EXPLORE IHG Early Careers Discover how you can grow your career in hospitality! EXPLORE Martin Brower Careers Break into business, admin and supply careers with Martin Brower. Don't settle for the status quo. EXPLORE McDonald's Early Careers You probably knew you can get McDonald's Apprenticeships. Did you know you can also study for a FREE Management Degree? EXPLORE NCFE Vocational Qualifications Young people get amazing perks when they work for the NCFE, with apprenticeships and more. The training is great, too. EXPLORE Pret Apprenticeships & Careers When you apply for a Pret Apprenticeship or junior role, you’ll belong to a community of achievers. Get support on your own unique career journey! EXPLORE Royal Air Force There’s nothing like a career in the RAF, it’s not just a job but a way of living. EXPLORE Surrey County Council Careers Thinking about rewarding apprenticeships and early careers in a diverse environment? Fire up your career with SCC! EXPLORE The British Library Work experience, internships and apprenticeships with The British Library open up a WORLD of possibilities. EXPLORE
The British Library
Essex Youth Service

Email us at info@youthemployment.org.uk or call 01536 513388.