Nikita Twitchen, an office administration assistant at First Grade Projects, was dismissed after returning from maternity leave while pregnant again.
Twitchen had started her job in October 2021 and went on maternity leave in June 2022.
Upon her return-to-work meeting in February 2023 with managing director Jeremy Morgan, things started well, with Morgan stating he looked forward to her return. However, when Twitchen revealed she was eight weeks pregnant, Morgan’s response changed.
Following her scheduled return in March, she received no confirmation about resuming work. After several follow-ups, Morgan eventually informed her in April that she was being made redundant due to financial difficulties, though no clear evidence was provided to support this claim.
Despite the company rebranding and hiring new staff, Morgan cited new software that allegedly eliminated her role.
Twitchen pursued other jobs for her family’s financial stability, and an employment tribunal found that her dismissal was unfair and discriminatory, noting Morgan’s shift in attitude after learning of her pregnancy.
The tribunal ruled in Twitchen’s favor, awarding her £28,706 in compensation.
First Grade Projects expressed disappointment with the decision, stating they were reviewing their options but could not provide further comment.
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