Agenda and minutes

1.1        The Chair welcomed Members and members of the public to the meeting

1.2        Apologies for absence were received from Rhianon Passmore AM and Jack Sargeant AM.

Dr Alison Parken, Wales Committee Member, Equality and Human Rights Commission

Rosalind Bragg, Director, Maternity Action

2.1 The Committee received evidence from:

·         Dr Alison Parken, Wales Committee Member, Equality and Human Rights Commission

·         Rosalind Bragg, Director, Maternity Action

2.2 During the evidence session the Equality and Human Rights Commission agreed to provide:

·         an overview of the legal protections to protect women from discrimination as a result of pregnancy and maternity.

2.3 During the evidence session the Equality and Human Rights Commission and Maternity Action agreed to provide:

·         examples of good practice from other countries of employers maintaining positive relationships with employees, during pregnancy and maternity leave;

·         written answers to questions not reached during the meeting, including:

- whether careers advice is sufficiently tailored to help women entering or returning to work after having a child; and

- how the Welsh Government’s employability programmes can support self-employed mothers;

- any further information on the Economic Action Plan and Employability Plan.

Cerys Furlong, Chief Executive, Chwarae Teg

Catherine Fookes, Director, Women’s Equality Network Wales

3.1  The Committee received evidence from:

·         Cerys Furlong, Chief Executive, Chwarae Teg

·         Catherine Fookes, Director, Women’s Equality Network Wales

Emma Webster, Joint CEO & Senior Solicitor, Your Employment Settlement Service

James Moss, Partner, Slate Legal

Bethan Darwin, Partner, Thompson Darwin Law

4.1   The Committee received evidence from:

·         Emma Webster, Joint CEO& Senior Solicitor, Your Employment Settlement Service

·         James Moss, Partner, Slate Legal

·         Bethan Darwin, Partner, Thompson Darwin Law

5.1 The Committee noted the letter from the Chair of the Children, Young People and Education Committee to the Cabinet Secretary for Education in relation to the Welsh Government draft budget 2018-19.

5.2 The Committee noted the letter to the First Minister in relation to human rights in Wales.

5.3 The Committee noted the letter from the Chair of the Equalities and Human Rights Committee, Scottish Parliament, in relation to human rights in Wales.

6.1 The Committee agreed the motion.

7.1 The Committee discussed the evidence received under items under 2, 3 and 4.

8.1 The Committee considered and agreed the letter.