An expectant mother is set to receive compensation after an employment tribunal ruled she was a victim of pregnancy discrimination. The ruling followed a comment from a colleague who stated that "nobody wants to see a pregnant woman" at work, and subsequent actions by her employer.
Jessica Morgan, who was a sales manager at Panelex Wood Agency, a wood supplier in Swansea, began working for the company in April 2020. She had a close working relationship with her colleague, Frederick Geraint Hawkes, who was in charge of procurement. However, this dynamic reportedly shifted after Morgan announced her pregnancy.
In November 2023, before going on maternity leave, Morgan offered to assist Hawkes with a client presentation. According to tribunal findings, Hawkes responded by saying, "Nobody wants to see a pregnant woman Jess." Morgan also claimed that during a discussion about hiring temporary cover, Hawkes stated he "wouldn't be making the mistake of hiring a woman again," though he denied making this comment.
Morgan expressed her distress over the comments in messages to a friend, stating she was "upset" and that the remarks suggested she could not do her job. She felt unable to challenge Hawkes directly at the time.
Morgan began her maternity leave in January 2024. Upon discussing her return to work in October 2024, she was informed that her position no longer existed and that the company was unsure how to place her. During this meeting, Hawkes reportedly said, "surely he [her partner] earns enough for you to stay at home." Morgan left the meeting with the understanding that her employment would end, but she could retain her company car until Christmas and would receive outstanding payments.
However, the company later requested the car's return at the end of October. The tribunal found this action constituted a detriment and was a direct response to Morgan's request for legally owed wages. The car was used as leverage to secure payment, which Morgan had stated she desperately needed.
Morgan brought claims of unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal, pregnancy discrimination, sex discrimination, and victimisation to an employment tribunal. While the tribunal found that her failure to challenge comments at the time did not undermine her account, it concluded that the remark about not wanting to see a pregnant woman was unfavorable treatment, suggesting pregnant women were off-putting to clients.
A separate hearing will be held to determine the amount of compensation Morgan will receive.