Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what research and evidence he has (a) assessed and (b) commissioned on the management of maternity cover by (i) small and (ii) large employers.

The Government commissioned an extensive research project into perceived pregnancy and maternity discrimination in Great Britain. The research was jointly managed and funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, supported by the Government Equalities Office. This research is the largest ever study of pregnancy and maternity-related discrimination conducted in Great Britain. Interim results published in July 2015 reported that 18% of employers found arranging and managing maternity cover difficult to manage. Final results, including how experiences vary by employer size, are due to be published in autumn 2015. The Government will respond when the final results are available.