Work and Families Bill

I am grateful to the hon. Lady for that intervention. When debating such Bills, it is important to consider the context and to ask why we want to implement such provisions. We need to set the record straight about how we have reached this point. It is great credit to the Government that, since 1997, employment rights have been extended while economic efficiency has grown and more people are in work than ever before. Clause 13 is an enabling provision to introduce the right for the additional public and bank holidays to be included in addition to the 20 days’ annual leave to which employees now have the right. As I said when I gave the example of a client that I had years ago, unscrupulous employers have included the eight public holidays in those 20 days. Those who legislated on the issue were clear that that was not what they intended. I am very pleased indeed that clause 13 includes the right to have the additional eight days’ public holiday. Clauses 1 to 6 extend maternity and paternity leave and the right to adoption leave with pay, as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State said clearly in his opening remarks. It is shocking that employers still discriminate against women who are pregnant. I have been appalled by some of the comments made in the debate about the actions of certain employers who have either not interviewed or not considered pregnant women or women of child-bearing age for employment. That is very wrong and clearly a very poor business decision. Such employers miss the talent of a whole group of women. I am very concerned that certain Members think that that is acceptable.