Accountant wins over £30,000 for being dismissed after requesting maternity leave

Mrs Shakil was employed by a property development company called Samsons Ltd, which was run by Mr Mohammed. Mrs Shakil worked for Mr Mohammed as an accountant, and in March 2021, Mrs Shakil notified him she was pregnant and suffering with morning sickness. The following day Mr Mohammed reduced her working hours from full time to two days a week, due to her pregnancy and symptoms. He stated that this was best for her, as he was unable to provide Mrs Shakil with additional support due to him being abroad. 

The drastic reduction in her hours caused a significant financial strain on Mrs Shakil, especially as her husband was unemployed. To manage the financial pressures of her upcoming new arrival, she was forced to take on another full-time job and continue her reduced role for Mr Mohammed. She often worked evenings and weekends to make up for her reduced income. 

As her pregnancy progressed Mrs Shakil experienced stress, anxiety and panic attacks due to financial instability. However, she continued to look for other job opportunities, and during interviews, Mrs Shakil felt forced to conceal her pregnancy due to fear of discrimination. She also suffered complications during in her pregnancy which resulted in her being induced. Mrs Shakil notified Mr Mohammed due to this her maternity leave was due to start on 1 October 2021.  

Before her maternity leave was due to start Mr Mohammed dismissed Mrs Shakil, he claimed her role had been made redundant and he insisted he was unaware of her pregnancy. After the arrival of Mrs Shakil’s baby, her and her family to move back home with her parents and the early weeks with her new baby were spent trying to resolve her financial issues. 

The Employment Tribunal ruled in favour of Mrs Shakil and stated that the decision to reduce her hours and dismiss her was motivated by her pregnancy. The Tribunal found that Mr Mohammed’s actions had caused her significant and financial distress during a joyful time in her life. The Tribunal emphasised the severity of this case and the emotional and physical discrimination Mrs Shakil suffered. As a result, Samsons Ltd was ordered to pay £31,860 in compensation for maternity discrimination. 

If an employee has informed you, they are pregnant or they are suffering from pregnancy-related health conditions, we would advise you that you need to seek legal advice. Please contact our Employment Team on 0330 088 2275 for more information on how we can assist you.