Over 70% of women feel as if they have been discriminated against in the workplace because they are pregnant or already have a child, a new survey has revealed.

A survey of over 1,000 women conducted by online job portal TipTopJob.com, found that 70.1% have either experienced discrimination in their current job, or feel that they have missed out on a new job because they are expecting a child.

Corinne Dauncey at TipTopJob.com said: "Under current legislation, workers should not be passed over for promotion, have their pay docked or be sacked purely because they are pregnant. If, for example, a pregnant woman is sacked after being late for work due to a bout of morning sickness, she could claim discrimination.

"If you feel as though you are being discriminated against because you are either expecting or have recently had a child then you should talk with your employer about your grievance. Hopefully, you will be able to sort things out without having to go to an employment tribunal," she said.

She suggests keeping a written account such as a diary of any complaints as well as making a record of any emails received. "If you find that your concerns are not being dealt with, you may be entitled to take a case to employment tribunal," she added.