In an echo of the story reported on the Thompsons website on 7 August 2009, a shop assistant from Dumbarton who claimed she was fired for being pregnant, was yesterday awarded £8600 compensation at an employment tribunal.

The compensation was awarded on the back of complaints by Edyta Sutula that there was an instant difference in attitude toward her from her bosses following her giving notice that she was expecting.

When she was later dismissed, she argued for compensation at a Glasgow Tribunal on the basis that her dismissal was automatically unfair.

Evidence was heard regarding negative changes in her working life following her announcement as well as reluctance amongst her bosses to allow her to attend medical appointments.

This most recent case again illustrates that, with the Equality Bill in the wings, any differential treatment toward pregnant workers will lead to compensation.