Company fined for dismissing employee during maternity leave

The Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) has imposed a fine of Rs1.2 million on a private company for terminating a female employee during her approved maternity leave.

According to the decision issued by Federal Ombudsperson Fozia Waqar, the company was found responsible for unfairly dismissing the employee while she was on legally approved maternity leave. In addition to the financial penalty, the organisation has been directed to implement comprehensive corrective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The complainant was working in the accounting department of the company when her employment was reportedly terminated through a phone call during her maternity leave. The case was brought before FOSPAH, which reviewed the circumstances surrounding the dismissal and concluded that the action constituted discriminatory treatment.

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In its ruling, FOSPAH stated that terminating a woman’s employment during maternity leave amounts to harmful and unlawful conduct. The ombudsperson noted that such actions fall under gender-based discrimination and can also be considered a form of psychological harassment under relevant laws and workplace protection standards.

The decision highlighted the importance of safeguarding women’s rights in the workplace, particularly during pregnancy and maternity leave, which are protected under labour and employment regulations. The ruling emphasized that employers must ensure a safe and supportive working environment and respect the legal rights of female employees.

FOSPAH further instructed the company not to take any retaliatory action against the complainant as a result of the case. The organisation has been warned to comply fully with the ruling and implement measures aimed at improving workplace policies and employee protections.

The decision is being viewed as an important step toward reinforcing workplace rights and ensuring that women are protected from discriminatory practices during maternity leave.