Scottish Government Equality Outcomes: Pregnancy and Maternity Evidence Review

10 Access to Justice

10.1 This review has not found evidence that pregnant women or new mothers experience discrimination in accessing legal services or raising actions in the courts. This is distinct from the experience of raising an action in employment tribunal due to experience of, or alleging, discrimination on the grounds of pregnancy and maternity.

10.2 In 2009-2010, employment tribunals in Great Britain accepted 18,200 claims of sex discrimination. Of these, 1,900 included pregnancy discrimination claims. These figures reflect changes in the appeal procedures as set out in the Employment Act 2002 on 6th April 2009⁸³.

10.3 From 2013, women making a claim of pregnancy discrimination in employment tribunals will be charged up to £1,200. Fees are to be introduced in August 2013, with two levels and two payment points. 'Simple' claims will cost £160 to lodge and £230 for a hearing. Complex claims, including discrimination claims, will cost £250 to lodge and £950 for a hearing. Monitoring of the introduction of these fees may be necessary, to assess any impact on access to justice for women experiencing pregnancy-related discrimination.