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Employers still have 'antiquated attitude to female workers' Employers still have 'antiquated attitude to female workers'
(about 7 hours later)
Many employers still live in the "dark ages" when it comes to recruiting women, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) says.Many employers still live in the "dark ages" when it comes to recruiting women, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) says.
In a poll for the EHRC, 36% of employers thought it reasonable to ask a women about plans to have children.In a poll for the EHRC, 36% of employers thought it reasonable to ask a women about plans to have children.
Some 59% agreed that a woman should have to disclose during the recruitment process whether she is pregnant.Some 59% agreed that a woman should have to disclose during the recruitment process whether she is pregnant.
The commission said the poll of 1,106 male and female decision-makers showed worrying attitudes.The commission said the poll of 1,106 male and female decision-makers showed worrying attitudes.
The EHRC said its study showed that many employers needed more support to better understand the basics of discrimination law and the rights of pregnant women and new mothers.The EHRC said its study showed that many employers needed more support to better understand the basics of discrimination law and the rights of pregnant women and new mothers.
EHRC chief executive Rebecca Hilsenrath said: "It is a depressing reality that, when it comes the rights of pregnant woman and new mothers in the workplace, we are still living in the dark ages.EHRC chief executive Rebecca Hilsenrath said: "It is a depressing reality that, when it comes the rights of pregnant woman and new mothers in the workplace, we are still living in the dark ages.
"We should all know very well that it is against the law not to appoint a woman because she is pregnant or might become pregnant."We should all know very well that it is against the law not to appoint a woman because she is pregnant or might become pregnant.
"Yet we also know women routinely get asked questions around family planning in interviews.""Yet we also know women routinely get asked questions around family planning in interviews."
Other findings from the YouGov survey of small, medium and large firms included:Other findings from the YouGov survey of small, medium and large firms included:
'Lawbreakers''Lawbreakers'
The EHRC's report quotes a mother of two young children, Sarah, who was made redundant during maternity leave for her first child.The EHRC's report quotes a mother of two young children, Sarah, who was made redundant during maternity leave for her first child.
"It's sad to think that things like this are still happening. I feel angry all the time that you can be a mother with young children and unless you're in a job that protects you, your whole world can come tumbling down - out of your control."It's sad to think that things like this are still happening. I feel angry all the time that you can be a mother with young children and unless you're in a job that protects you, your whole world can come tumbling down - out of your control.
"It is essential for employers to be honest and ensure there is good communication between them and those on maternity leave so that pregnant women and new mothers are given the support they deserve.""It is essential for employers to be honest and ensure there is good communication between them and those on maternity leave so that pregnant women and new mothers are given the support they deserve."
TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said that women should not be forced to choose between having a career and a family.TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said that women should not be forced to choose between having a career and a family.
"But thousands are being forced from their job every year. Pregnancy discrimination scars lives and careers."But thousands are being forced from their job every year. Pregnancy discrimination scars lives and careers.
"Employers are getting away with breaking the law on an industrial scale.""Employers are getting away with breaking the law on an industrial scale."
The EHRC wants companies to sign up to its Working Forward initiative which aims to stamp out pregnancy and maternity discrimination.
Member firms, which include Nationwide, Royal Mail and Transport for London, are given advice and help to improve in areas such as flexible working and employee confidence.
Have you been asked about family planning in a job interview? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
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