However, the BBC report justifies Mr Bloom's statement. It claims that 30,000 women are forced out of their jobs because of pregnancy, and 200,000 face discrimination.
Godfrey Bloom said: "I was hounded for telling the truth about the realities of small business. UKIP have been raising this issue consistently in the European Parliament for over a year. I don't agree with any form of discrimination, but thanks to a growing volume of European legislation women are facing even greater inequality in the workplace.
"The government is making it uneconomical for small businesses to employ women of child-bearing age, and the system is disadvantaging the very people it is supposed to protect. I am very glad that the BBC will air this programme and vindicated what I felt was an honest view, which was shared by many in the business community".
Mr Bloom's critics last July included Glenys Kinnock, who said: "We know UKIP are Neanderthal in their attitudes, but it is absolutely terrifying that Mr Bloom can fly in the face of what we have worked and fought for, to establish equal opportunities and rights for women."
The leader of the Party of European Socialists, Poul Nyrup Rassmussen, said at the time that Mr Bloom's remarks were "outrageous" and "absolutely unacceptable".
Mr Bloom continued: "Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy - 97% of UK businesses employ fewer than 25 staff1. Per employee, small businesses face five times the regulatory costs as big businesses2. Is there any wonder that many feel that they have no option but to discriminate?"
-ENDS-
Editors notes:
The Money Programme - Pregnant? You're fired! Will be aired on BBC TWO at 7pm on Friday 25 November.
1. Federation of Small Businesses, European Elections 2004, A Manifesto, p2
2. Better Regulation – Is it better for business? – Report by the Federation of Small Businesses
