Research and analysis

Pregnancy and maternity: workplace experiences of parents

Mixed-methods research report on pregnancy, maternity and parental workplace experiences. Includes a literature review, qualitative interviews with parents and employers, analysis of employment tribunal decisions, and analysis of secondary labour market and administrative datasets.

• From: Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade
• Published: 22 October 2026

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Documents

Executive summary – Pregnancy and maternity: workplace experiences of parents

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Pregnancy and maternity: workplace experiences of parents research report

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Details

This report includes information on:

• the extent and patterns of unfair treatment
• tribunal decisions and employer justifications
• perceptions of how unfair treatment and discrimination manifest
• awareness of rights among parents and employers
• employer practices to minimise pregnancy and maternity discrimination
• what this means for policy and practice

The research was carried out by the Institute for Employment Studies (IES), on behalf of the former Department for Business and Trade (DBT).