A new report has exposed a deeply troubling culture of workplace discrimination that is pushing pregnant women and new mothers out of their jobs across the UK.
Pervasive Culture of Workplace Mistreatment
The research, published by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) on Thursday 15 January 2026, describes a "pervasive" culture of mistreatment targeting women due to pregnancy or parenthood. The findings are stark, revealing that unfair treatment and a critical lack of workplace flexibility are driving a significant exodus of female talent.
According to the report, one in seven women who have children or are expecting a baby have either left their job or felt they had no choice but to resign. This statistic highlights a systemic failure to support working families, with many employers failing to provide reasonable adjustments or respect legal protections.
Why Women Are Leaving and Not Speaking Out
The TUC identified key factors behind this forced departure. A primary issue is the lack of flexible working options, which are essential for new parents balancing work and childcare. Coupled with this is direct unfair treatment, ranging from denied promotions to outright hostility upon announcing a pregnancy.
Alarmingly, the report notes that many women who experience this injustice choose not to take formal action. The reasons are twofold: the process is deemed too stressful, and there is a widespread lack of knowledge about where to seek guidance and support. This silence allows poor practices to continue unchecked.
Calls for Urgent Legislative Action
In response to these findings, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak has issued a direct call to the government. He demands the swift introduction of the long-promised Employment Rights Act to provide stronger, long-overdue protections for families.
This legislation is seen as a crucial step in closing loopholes, strengthening enforcement, and ensuring that all employers offer genuine flexible working from day one. Without such legal safeguards, the TUC warns that the talent drain and personal hardship caused by this "pervasive culture" will persist, harming both the economy and societal equality.
