Is this maternity discrimination?

[GreenHazel]

I have worked for employer for 3 years (8 total combined but with a gap inbetween as I’ve worked in different regions). I did not receive a pay increase last year (review period was directly after I announced my pregnancy). No proof there is correlation but this was the first time in my career I didn’t even receive inflation.

One year on, I am not on maternity leave and have recieved no increase again. I was told by my manager that part of the reason for this was that I was not present for the entire year and only staff who were present were considered, so I along with say new hires received nothing. I have all of this well documented in emails and audio recordings. It’s worth noting they have stated my performance is outstanding and I’m a high performer.

Im relatively senior and would rather not blow up my job but also feel I’m being discriminated against. Am I right for thinking this, what should I do?

Speak to pregnant than screwed - they’re an amazing organisation who can tell you if you have a case or not. Sounds fishy to me!

You may not have been present but you were employed.

Are you in a union? If not then your house insurance may have free legal advice you can use.

Yes this sounds like it could be maternity discrimination.

They cannot not consider your for a pay rise based on the fact you were on maternity leave.

Who can you escalate to internally? I think you just say it like it is - ‘I have been told I am not eligible for a pay rise this year as I was on maternity leave for part of it, while other colleagues have received pay rises. My understanding is that I cannot be penalised for being on maternity leave - can you please share your thinking with me in writing’.

And give them a week to panic, after which they’ll come back and probably give you the pay rise.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/statutory-maternity-pay-employee-circumstances-that-affect-payment#employee-earnings-affected-by-a-pay-rise

They can't withhold a pay rise just for being on maternity.

As others have said, they can't do that.

Did they give any explanation why you didn't get a pay rise the year prior? If it's linked to performance then you should have received an increase in line with all other employees.

I don’t understand how this works if it’s based on performance and achieving goals
and you’ve not been there they have very little judge you on

Wether they can just give u an average amount based on previous awards

@Bearbookagainandagain they stated last year that insufficient budget and salary deemed in line with the market, performance was noted as strong. Similar reasoning this year alongside the ‘absence’