An expectant mother is set to receive compensation after an employment tribunal ruled she was a victim of discrimination, including a remark from a colleague stating "nobody wants to see a pregnant woman" at work. Jessica Morgan, formerly a sales manager at Panelex Wood Agency, a small wood supplier in Swansea, also alleged her boss made comments about not hiring women again and pressured her to return her company car early.
Ms. Morgan began her employment with Panelex in April 2020. Initially, she had a close working relationship with her colleague, Frederick Geraint Hawkes, who was in charge of procurement. However, according to Ms. Morgan, a "shift" occurred in his demeanor after she announced her pregnancy.
In November 2023, before beginning her maternity leave, Ms. Morgan offered to help Mr. Hawkes prepare for a client presentation. He responded by saying, "Nobody wants to see a pregnant woman Jess." Ms. Morgan also claimed that when discussing temporary cover for her role, Mr. Hawkes stated he "wouldn't be making the mistake of hiring a woman again." Mr. Hawkes denied making this comment.
Ms. Morgan reported feeling unable to challenge these remarks at the time. She also stated that around the same period, Mr. Hawkes commented on her being forgetful, though the tribunal did not connect this to her pregnancy. As she neared her maternity leave, which began in January 2024, Ms. Morgan expressed anxiety about her job security. She claimed Mr. Hawkes told her to "focus on being a mum."
In October 2024, a meeting was held to discuss Ms. Morgan's return to work. During this meeting, she was informed that her position no longer existed and that the company was unsure where to place her. Mr. Hawkes also reportedly said, "surely he [her partner] earns enough for you to stay at home." Ms. Morgan left the meeting with the understanding that her employment would end, but she could keep her company car until Christmas and receive outstanding payments.
However, the agreement was altered shortly after. Mr. Hawkes requested the car's return at the end of October. The tribunal found that this request was a direct response to Ms. Morgan seeking payment of wages owed to her and that the car was used as a bargaining chip for her to receive the money she desperately needed.
Ms. Morgan brought claims of unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal, pregnancy discrimination, sex discrimination, and victimisation to an employment tribunal. While she did not win all her claims due to the timing of her initial submission, the tribunal found she had been victimised by her former employer. A separate hearing will determine the amount of compensation she will receive.