Wilson Nesbitt - Solicitors

A tribunal has ruled that a serving Royal Air Force officer, who has declined to be named, was discriminated against by her superiors because of her pregnancy, and was awarded £16,000 in damages.

The desk officer was moved from her post in the Falkland Islands when she advised her superiors she was 12 weeks pregnant, missing a performance review in the process and most likely delaying her promotion prospects. Her request to continue in her role had been denied; she had wanted to stay on the base with her husband who was also an officer stationed there, and she was ordered to return to the UK immediately.

The tribunal heard how she was initially told she could remain in her role only for the decision to be overruled by a more senior officer. It decided that she had been discriminated against because of her pregnancy and that the way she been treated unintentionally "had the effect of creating an intimidating, degrading, hostile or offensive environment for her".

It was recommended to the Ministry of Defence that they carry out individual risk assessments for each pregnant woman to consider how their role could be adjusted so that they could continue in their posts throughout their pregnancy, and to establish a monitoring process for anyone removed from their role due to pregnancy.

If you feel you have been discriminated against by your Employer because you are or were pregnant and would like to find a solicitor to receive legal advice, contact the specialist employment law team at Wilson Nesbitt solicitors by emailing employment@wilson-nesbitt.com .