Pregnant women losing jobs amid ‘pervasive culture of mistreatment’, warns TUC

A “pervasive” culture of mistreatment at work is leading to women losing their jobs if they are pregnant or become a parent, according to a report.

The TUC said its research suggested that one in seven women who have children or are expecting a child have left work or felt forced to leave a job due to pregnancy or becoming a parent because of problems including lack of flexible working.

New and expectant parents also reported unfair treatment at an “alarmingly high rate”, said the union organisation.

Many of those who faced unfair treatment or felt forced to leave their job said they did not take any action because they thought it would be too stressful or did not know where to get advice.

The TUC said its research among 3,000 adults, including 1,776 workers who had children of any age or were expecting, highlighted a “pervasive culture of mistreatment” of new and expectant parents across UK workplaces.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “Having a baby should be a moment of joy, but a pervasive culture of mistreatment at work is robbing too many parents of that experience. Some are even being forced out of their jobs.

“Change can’t come soon enough. The Employment Rights Act will deliver long-overdue protections for families across the country. Government must now ensure that these new rights are introduced in full as quickly as possible.”

Published: 15/01/2026 by Radio NewsHub