East of England Ambulance Service hit with pregnancy discrimination claim

Three frontline ambulance clinicians working for the East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST) are pursuing a pregnancy and maternity discrimination claim against the Trust.

The staff – who are supported by GMB Union – had a grievance partially upheld against the Trust in January 2025 because they were at a financial detriment arising from a shortfall in pay relating to unsocial hours entitlements when placed on alternative working duties due to pregnancy.

GMB is of the view that this practice was discriminatory. It resulted in a significant financial loss for the affected women, which significantly impacted on their physical and mental health.

Several ambulance staff members have reported to GMB that EEAST continues to fail pregnant paramedics in relation to their unsocial hours pay, despite GMB members raising a grievance and submitting a claim against the Trust.

Donna Thomas, GMB Regional Organiser, said:

“Most pregnant women are stood down from frontline ambulance work to keep them and their unborn child safe.

“The health and safety of pregnant women is essential – and so is their financial security.

“We are deeply disappointed to hear further allegations that EEAST continues to discriminate against pregnant staff by failing the pay them the unsocial hours they would have been paid if they were not stood down from frontline duties.”