Video case studies | Equality and Human Rights Commission

Real life employer case studies

Below is a selection of real life employer case studies, highlighting the business benefits of retaining talented mothers in the workplace. Sadly not all businesses realise the benefits of recruiting and retaining working mums as our research has found and the video interview with Joeli Brearley can attest to.

Joeli Brearley, Founder, Pregnant Then Screwed and self-employed project manager

Joeli was dismissed when she told her employer she was pregnant.
She describes the impact on her life at being told the news.
You can view anonymous stories of other women's experiences of being harassed, demoted and not put forward for promotion on Joeli's website

Sarah-Jane Butler, Director and Founder of Parental Choice

Family friendly policies work for the business as well as their staff.
Clients actually value them because of their family friendly policies.

Emma and Jason Richards, Firefighters, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue

Supportive Maternity policy helps to retain staff.
Support starts from the top of the organisation.
Open culture helps to make staff feel valued.

Melissa Cliffe, psychotherapist, CiC Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Recruited whilst pregnant
Employer saw pregnancy as an opportunity.

Melanie Collins, Founder of a Parenting Network, former employee at the Met Office

Created a workplace parenting club.
Created a positive impact on her place of work.

Maternity coaching initiative, EY

Initiative designed to ensure that women are supported at every stage of their career.
Helps to create a talent pipeline for the future success of the firm.
Dedicated coaching sessions for line managers as well as mums to be.

Becky, Northern Rail

First woman to become pregnant on the male dominated team.
Work duties adapted in light of pregnancy for health and safety reasons.
Huge support from employer before, during and after return to work.