Campaigners say Melanie Given's victory is important

Melanie Given, 33, has settled a discrimination case with city employers Offshore Hydrocarbon Mapping.

Her claim was that when she returned her responsibility and status reduced.

Mrs Given said she was "saddened" that having a family had led to the case. The company said the settlement was an "economic decision".

Mrs Given said that the person appointed to cover her maternity leave took over her duties and responsibilities in a newly-created promoted post and that she was not considered for that post because she was on maternity leave.

We know from our research that many women experience discrimination upon return from maternity leave Muriel Robison EOC Scotland

The consultant, who returned from maternity leave in March 2007, claimed her role was so much reduced that it caused stress, anxiety and led to her feeling "pushed out".

She said: "I am pleased to have settled this case for the financial losses I have incurred as a result of my treatment at Offshore Hydrocarbon Mapping.

"I am saddened that I ever had to take the case at all and that I felt forced to leave a job I enjoyed and valued because I had a family.

"I hope that the issues raised in my case make employees and employers more aware of the treatment that women can face when they come back to work after maternity leave."

'Economic decision'

Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) Scotland supported the case.

Muriel Robison, director of legal affairs for EOC Scotland, said: "I am glad that this case has been settled and that Melanie Given has been compensated for what she went through upon her return from work.

"We know from our research that many women experience discrimination upon return from maternity leave and suffer considerable stress and hardship as a result.

"Just recently an EOC survey showed that one out of four mums returning to work felt they were badly treated."

Offshore Hydrocarbon Mapping said in a statement: "Offshore Hydrocarbon Mapping settled this case in response to an offer from the Equal Opportunities Commission which was less than our projected costs of dealing with the tribunal.

"As the company management was at the time of the EOC approach heavily involved in negotiating a number of significant business transactions the decision was taken to settle.

"The company did not and does not accept any culpability in the matter and settlement was purely an economic decision."