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Reasons to be cheerful on International Women's Day

Published: 08 Mar 2018

Our role in tackling gender inequality – and reasons to be cheerful on International Women’s Day.

Unconscious bias training: no such thing as a quick fix

Published: 23 Mar 2018

Does unconscious bias training actually work to help create more inclusive workplace cultures?

Unconscious bias training: an assessment of the evidence for effectiveness

First Published: 23 Mar 2018

This report looks at the effectiveness of unconscious bias training and makes recommendations for employers, policymakers and human resource professionals

A quick guide to being a gender champion in your workplace

First Published: 25 May 2018

Become a gender champion to advance gender equality in the workplace. Here's how.

Pregnancy, maternity and shared parental leave: how to write a handover plan

First Published: 25 May 2018

Our guide explains how to write a handover plan before you go on maternity or shared parental leave.

Pressing for progress: women’s rights and gender equality in 2018

First Published: 23 Jul 2018

This report looks at the state of rights of women's rights in Great Britain in 2018. It assesses the progress that has been made since 2013 and makes recommendations to the UK and Welsh governments.

Welcome to Working Forward

Published: 07 Nov 2016

David Isaac blogs about the launch of the Commission's new pregnancy and maternity initiative, Working Forward.

Working Forward: best practice guidance for employers

First Published: 08 Jun 2017

Best practice guidance to support you in making your workplace the best it can be for pregnant women and new mothers.

100 businesses pledge to Working Forward on pregnancy and maternity rights at work

Published: 06 Mar 2017

A major coalition of businesses committed to ending discrimination of pregnant women and new mothers at work has reached over one million employees today after Pets at Home became the 100th partner.

Britain’s leading employers unite to end pregnancy discrimination in workplaces

Published: 14 Sep 2016

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has joined with some of Britain's leading employers to launch the Working Forward initiative, to end pregnancy and maternity discrimination in the workplace.

Pregnancy and maternity in the workplace

Find out more about Working Forward - our joint initiative with business to make our workplaces the best they can be for pregnant women and new mothers, including information for employers, employees and young mums, and our research and recommendations.

Pregnancy and maternity discrimination

Last updated: 27 Apr 2022

Pregnancy and maternity discrimination is when you are treated unfavourably because you are pregnant, breastfeeding or you have given birth, in one of the situations that are covered by the Equality Act.

Flexible working: your stories of supporting pregnancy and maternity

Last updated: 27 Apr 2022

With these examples of best practice in putting flexible working arrangements in place, learn how other organisations are supporting pregnant women and young mothers in the workplace.

Is making all jobs flexible realistic?

Published: 24 Aug 2017

Offering flexible working to employees should be standard procedure argues Rebecca Hilsenrath, CEO of the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Employers in the dark ages over recruitment of pregnant women and new mothers

Published: 19 Feb 2018

A YouGov report finds that many British employers have discriminatory attitudes towards pregnant women and new mothers.

Manchester employers unite to support pregnant women and new parents

Published: 09 May 2018

A new regional network, supported by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, will offer events tailored to high growth industries, including technology and the arts.

Managing pregnancy and maternity at work: a conversation guide for employers

First Published: 15 Sep 2017

Guidance for line managers who are managing someone who is pregnant and preparing for maternity leave.

Power to the Bump - Further information

Last updated: 24 Feb 2023

Power to the Bump is a campaign that empowers young mothers in the workplace. Mothers can find out about their rights when pregnant, on maternity leave and return to work to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

During maternity leave | Applying for jobs

Last updated: 16 Mar 2023

Frequently asked questions during maternity leave