A woman who lodged a tribunal case alleging sex discrimination related to her pregnancy has been paid £25,000 in a settlement by her employers.

Ruth Faulkner, from Bangor, was assisted by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.

She worked at Intern Europe Limited from June 2010 as a work placements officer, sourcing professional internships in Northern Ireland. During her maternity leave, Ms Faulkner had asked to work the same hours in a different pattern, to help her with her childcare commitments. Instead the company reduced her hours.

On the first day Ms Faulkner returned to work after her maternity leave, she was immediately brought to a meeting where she was informed that her post was potentially at risk of redundancy.

She alleged that she was told that the company wanted to discuss an option with her where she would choose to leave rather than go through a formal redundancy situation. Ms Faulkner claimed that she was informed that if she wanted to consider this option she could not return to her desk and had to leave the office right away.

Mary Kitson, senior legal officer at the Equality Commission, said: “All employers need to make sure that pregnant women and returning mothers have a supportive environment with flexible, family friendly policies and practices.

“That is what they are entitled to under the law. It also makes good business sense for employers themselves, enabling them to benefit from the skills and knowledge of experienced staff.”

Ms Kitson added: “In settling this case, Intern Europe apologised to Ms Faulkner for any injury to feelings, distress and upset caused. It also affirmed its commitment to equality of opportunity and undertook to liaise with the Equality Commission.

“The Commission does extensive work with many businesses on this issue, helping them review their equal opportunities policies and encouraging the development of a supportive culture for pregnant employees and new mothers.”