Petition · past parliament
Grant student mothers the same protections as working mothers
Closed
428 signatures
What the petition asks
Higher education institutions are required under employment law to make maternity provisions for working mothers, yet there is no legal requirement ensuring the same protections for students who are mothers. This blind-spot has led to student mothers facing avoidable adversity in higher education.
In spite of the Equality Act 2010, the rights of student mothers are primarily determined at their institution's discretion. Student mothers are easily marginalised and often squeezed out of the education system as a result.
Access to flexible working, maternity leave and breastfeeding facilities are examples of legal entitlements held by workers. There is no reason for student mothers not to be equally protected, when they are just as vulnerable to maternity discrimination. This must change.
Access to flexible working, maternity leave and breastfeeding facilities are examples of legal entitlements held by workers. There is no reason for student mothers not to be equally protected, when they are just as vulnerable to maternity discrimination. This must change.
Timeline
| 30 Jan 2018 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 30 Jul 2018 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
428
Status
Closed
Opened
30 Jan 2018
Closed
30 Jul 2018
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.