PREGNANT ambulance workers were paid less for unsocial hours while stood down from frontline duties, their union said today.

The three front-line ambulance clinicians are pursuing a pregnancy and maternity discrimination claim against East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST).

The trust’s “discriminatory” practice resulted in a “significant financial loss for the affected women, which significantly impacted on their physical and mental health,” said the GMB union.

GMB regional organiser Donna Thomas said: “Most pregnant women are stood down from frontline ambulance work to keep them and their unborn child safe.

“The health and safety of pregnant women is essential — and so is their financial security.

“GMB is deeply disappointed to hear further allegations that EEAST continues to discriminate against pregnant staff by failing the pay them the unsocial hours they would have been paid if they were not stood down from frontline duties.”

EEAST was contacted for comment.