Sacked After Pregnancy

A Suffolk waitress who was sacked because she took sick leave during her pregnancy has won £11,000 in compensation.

Leah Offord's doctor had signed the 20-year-old off work for ten days in October after she began suffering morning sickness.

When she tried to return to work at the Suffolk Diner, in Stowmarket, she was told her £5.35-an-hour job was no longer available.

An employment tribunal, held in Cambridge, ruled Miss Offord had been the victim of sex discrimination.

Miss Offord, who is now eight months pregnant, was awarded compensation for lost earnings and emotional distress.

She said: "I feel I was treated really badly. I would rather have had my job back but I'm glad it's all been sorted out."

Martin Davies, manager of the Citizen's Advice Bureau, in Stowmarket, said: "This is a salutary reminder for all employers, whatever the size of their company, that the law must be obeyed and that failure to do so can prove very expensive."

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