Pregnancy impacts on employability
Three quarters (76 per cent) of managers would not hire a new employee likely to fall pregnant within six months, according to the Employment Law Advisory Service (Elas).
Those applying for long-term positions, such as account manager sales jobs, should also be aware that more than half of bosses consider the pregnancy potential of a candidate before employing them.
The Elas survey of 1,100 employers found that 68 per cent want more legal rights to quiz sales recruitment candidates about their family plans.
Recent research by the Training and Development Agency suggested that only 28 per cent of those in sales jobs and working in media and new media were "treated like an equal" on returning to work post-pregnancy.
Head of consultancy at Elas Peter Mooney claims that the research shows that discrimination is almost inevitable.
He said: "Discrimination is bound to happen if it is obvious that a candidate is expecting a baby.
"In most cases the best candidate will still be the best candidate if they have to take time off for maternity leave."
Filed: 21-04-2008