Woman loses EU case over pregnancy sick pay

AN Irish mother-to-be suffering from a pregnancy-related illness was not entitled to be treated differently to anybody else, the European Court of Justice has ruled.

As a result, pregnant women could find their pay reduced to half if they are out of work for six months, even if their illness is due to their condition.

The judgement is leading the Equality Tribunal to rethink the way it considers such cases and interprets Irish equality and maternity legislation in the future.