New figures from Citizens Advice reveal a 25% rise in female workers seeking advice on pregnancy and maternity discrimination over the past 12 months.

During April 2015 and March 2016, the charity received enquiries from 2,000 people for help with pregnancy and maternity discrimination – up from 1,500 last year.

Expectant mothers have reported having their working hours reduced, being put onto zero-hours contracts or being pressured to return to work from maternity leave.

77% of mothers surveyed also reported a discriminatory experience at their workplace during pregnancy, maternity leave or returning from work.

Citizens Advice chief executive Gillian Guy said:

“People with a baby on the way will have a lot on their minds already. The last thing they need is a threat to their income or job security. All employers should respect and uphold the rights of staff who are new parents or expecting a baby.”

Citizen advice is advising new and expectant mothers to tell their employer about the pregnancy at least 15 weeks before your due date to ensure you receive maternity leave and pay during care, and to claim for your statutory maternity pay or maternity allowance.