Solicitor sues for unfair dismissal after having baby

A female solicitor who says she was told by her employers that women who have babies go 'jelly-headed' and are not capable of working to their previous standard, has launched an unfair dismissal claim.Nicola Bilsborough, a personal injury litigation assistant for five years with Lytham St Annes firm Ian Snipe & Co, claims she planned to return to work part-time after taking six months' maternity leave.Ms Bilsborough, who now works at Lawson Samuels Capaldi part-time, claims that while on maternity leave, she saw her job with Ian Snipe & Co advertised in the Gazette.The firm, which denies unfair and wrongful dismissal, declined to comment but is understood to be vigorously defending the claim.

The tribunal has been listed for a five-day hearing in May next year.Victoria MacCallum