Under Boris Johnson, the rights of working women have become a feeble joke

‘Care is the root of much of the discrimination women face, whether that’s through being a mother, caring for relatives or simply trying to balance childcare around inflexible work.’ Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA

Everyone deserves to be treated fairly at work. But too many women find themselves discriminated against by their employer because they are pregnant. Many are pushed out of work because they have caring responsibilities for their children or elderly parents, and many still experience sexual harassment at work.

Three years ago, the government promised to publish an employment bill that would extend redundancy protections to prevent pregnancy and maternity discrimination, and allow parents to take extended paid leave when newborns need neonatal care. Ministers have promised – no less than 20 times – to publish the bill. But the government has since abandoned this promise. The Conservatives are failing working women once again.