75.This section defines what it means to discriminate in the workplace because of a woman’s pregnancy or pregnancy-related illness, or because she takes or tries to take maternity leave. The period during which protection from these types of discrimination is provided is the period of the pregnancy and any statutory maternity leave to which she is entitled. During this period, these types of discrimination cannot be treated as sex discrimination.
76.This section is designed to replicate the effect of similar provisions in the Sex Discrimination Act 1975.
An employer must not demote or dismiss an employee, or deny her training or promotion opportunities, because she is pregnant or on maternity leave.
An employer must not take into account an employee’s period of absence due to pregnancy-related illness when making a decision about her employment.