'Shameful' | Mum-to-be's demotion shows outdated views on pregnant staff must change

A firm’s decision to demote an expectant mother, before sacking her during her maternity leave, has cost them £38,000 - a loss that should send a stark warning to companies that fail to take pregnancy and maternity rights seriously.

An employment tribunal heard that Abbey Gannapureddy felt “ashamed to be pregnant” and suffered with poor mental health following her treatment from bosses at Icestone Gelato in Chester.

Gannapureddy, 29, was an assistant manager at the time she became pregnant in 2019 but she was demoted during her pregnancy and put on minimum wage because she was unable to carry out some of her usual duties, including physical tasks such as lifting and moving tables.

Additionally, the court heard that a male colleague told Gannapureddy that she should not be working and that if he had a pregnant wife, he would not allow her to work.