I worked for a supposedly ‘consumer friendly’ company when I became pregnant. Two young males were brought in as temps to cover mine and a colleague during our maternity leave. Three months after the birth of my son, I was invited in for a management meeting in Whitby. I was told that the new male employees really helped to bolster team moral as the other female members of staff enjoyed flirting with them! I was also told that I would not be able to return to my original part time work hours (illegal and I was later informed incorrect). My job role had changed to include PC support to customers which I wasn’t trained for and working hours had been increased to include an evening work pattern. I applied for a change to my working hours as per the flexible working policy but it was refused. They said that I could have reduced working hours if I factored in an evening shift twice a week, which wouldn’t have been possible with a newborn. Ultimately my colleague and I resigned which enabled the company to keep the young males who were able to work the longer hours for a smaller salary. I never fought this decision because I did not feel I had the legal support, support from the union or the money to take my company to court.