Pregnancy discrimination

THE number of businesses joining a campaign to end discrimination against pregnant women and new mothers at work has grown to cover more than a million employees.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission said 100 firms had now pledged to support a national coalition aimed at helping women at work.

Retailer Pets at Home, which has stores in Portsmouth, Fareham, Park Gate and Waterlooville, became the latest company to back the initiative.

Caroline Waters, deputy chairwoman of the commission, said: ‘Businesses are taking this issue seriously and recognising that female talent is absolutely critical to the UK economy. Now with 100 businesses pledging to take action, we have a strong coalition to ensure working environments benefit everyone. However, the battle is not yet over.’