Since April 2003, women and men have enhanced parental rights

While the majority of employers have a positive attitude to pregnant workers, some are still resisting change.

The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) said more than one quarter could not name one statutory pregnancy right.

The research was released as part of the EOC's investigation into pregnancy discrimination in the workplace.

Coming back

Of the 450 employers interviewed by the EOC, the hardest issue for employers was uncertainty surrounding whether and when a woman would return to work and providing cover for her job while she was away.

"Many organisations do handle pregnancy positively and as a result see business benefits," said Jenny Watson, deputy chairwoman of the EOC.

PREGNANCY: THE RIGHTS? "A to Z" of work: Practical information on the Acas website (see link on right) or telephone 08457 47 47 47 Worksmart: Practical advice from the TUC on employment rights (see link on right) Tiger: An interactive guide to workplace rights available on the Department of Trade and Industry's website (see link on right) New maternity and Paternity rights explained Have your say

"Yet the results of our new research suggest that significant numbers of employers have limited knowledge of the law, which may be preventing them from managing pregnancy effectively."

Expectant mothers have gained new workplace rights in recent years.

They are now entitled to reasonable time off to keep appointments for antenatal care made on the advice of a doctor, midwife or health visitor.

And, since April 2003 they can take more time off around the birth of their child. They can take up to a year off work, including six months paid maternity leave.

A spokesman for the Department of Trade and Industry said the government welcomed the EOC's consultation.

"This research shows that most good employers are committed to giving pregnant employees a fair deal at work," he said.