In response, Rachel Suff, employee relations adviser for the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, comments:
“The CIPD welcomes new government plans to introduce greater protection from redundancy for pregnant women and new parents returning to work.
“Discrimination not only disadvantages individuals, it also means that employers themselves are missing out on key talent. Organisations should be actively taking steps to stamp out any discrimination as well as supporting flexible working arrangements and progression opportunities for parent returners. The consultation is also an important opportunity for organisations to shape proposals that could extend the same legal protection against redundancy for pregnant women and new mothers on maternity leave to parents returning from adoption leave or shared parental leave. These kinds of family-friendly regulation and policies play a vital role in fostering inclusive and productive cultures where everyone can thrive and perform to their full potential while balancing commitments at home.”
