RCM member wins tribunal

By Hollie Ewers on 14 August 2018 RCM Member Employment Maternity Leave

A midwife member of the RCM has won compensation at a tribunal over indirect sex discrimination by her former employer.

Naomi Leigh-Poole took One-to-One Midwives (North West) to a tribunal because they failed to inform her of potential jobs she could apply for at the organisation, at a time when she faced possible redundancy. 

This was despite her making a written request for them to keep her informed of potential jobs while she was on maternity leave.

Naomi was awarded compensation of almost £5000 and said that she was delighted that the RCM was able to support her and to get this result. 

‘This victory is not about the money,’ Naomi said. ‘It is about the principle and it is about fairness. I don’t want other women to have to face this situation. I hope this will help to raise awareness and perhaps stop other employers from doing the same.’

RCM regional officer Lesley Wood supported Naomi and said that it is important that employers know they cannot treat women on maternity leave in this way. 

‘Naomi put her faith in her employer and they let her down. I am delighted we were able to represent her through this employment tribunal to obtain our members maternity and employment rights,’ added Lesley.

Thompsons Solicitors’ employment rights lawyer Jamie Humphries represented Naomi and highlighted that an organisation that delivers midwifery services should know better than any the importance of treating pregnant workers fairly.