to think I'm a victim of sex discrimination

[herethereandeverywhere]

My existing mortgage company has refused our application to extend our mortgage (so that we can move house) because I am on maternity leave. They have stated that they can't be sure I will go back to work

A few things to consider:

1. I have a job. I will return on exactly the same terms, full time same salary. My employer is under a legal obligation to treat me just as I was before I went on maternity leave, why should the mortgage provider be any different?
2. I have confirmed my intention (to the mortgage company) to return to work full time.
3. Insurance companies are not allowed to cite pregnancy as a reason for increased insurance premium (due to increased perceived risk) - why are mortgage providers any different?
4. Surely my husband (in fact any non-mother) could also choose to not return to work at any point during or following a mortgage application. Why is the case of a mother on maternity leave different?

Fuming. Have never ever felt so discriminated against. I'm insulted that my word is not enough. I'm mistrusted because I'm a mum!

"As people have already said, many companies already provide mortgages to women on maternity leave and I assume these are at the same rates. "

Very possibly not the same rates.
May be higher product fees.
May be more tightfisted with maximum loans based on affordability etc.

Having worked in setting rates, things which look free/better/included and so on will be built into the price somewhere.

And why spoil the fun by restricting it to sex discrimination? That's discrimination that is

"Taken to its logical conclusion, this policy would mean that any couple in their 20s or 30s who wanted to buy a house together should only be allowed a mortgage on his salary. Because we all know that they are bound to have kids and she probably will never work again. "

For all we know the statistical likelihood of that happening is already built into the affordability and maximum loan calculations!

Hatwoman and the shriekingharpy in particular, thanks for those great posts and to everyone else, I'm glad there are some others out there who agree with me and I'm sorry to hear those who've been treated similarly.

As to the environment I work in - I selected the worst of the incidents over a c.5 year period to post. Prior to that I did 5 years elsewhere. There I was too junior to detect any gender discrimination but that boss had a penchant for attacking my northern working class roots so I actually feel better off at my current employer! It's fine most of the time, I actually like most of my colleagues and enjoy what I do most of the time believe it or not ! The office is quite a pleasant place to be, honestly.

I chose a tough discipline and a tough environment. I know I'm as good, if not better than the men. It's frustrating to have to watch the blokes coast along whilst I (and the couple of other senior women) fight 10x as hard for the same recognition but I'm always up for the fight - I'm not the sort of person that chooses the easy path in life and I guess my career reflects that.

Anyway, I think tablefor3 summed up my frustration best. We'll be on the look out for another mortgage company who'll be more grateful for our business.

God I sound like such a bore.

Never mind off to bed now.

Good luck with the new application. If it helps we're with C&G.

Also [smug] for getting my first name check (especially when so many people made such interesting points)!