Employability minister Jamie Hepburn is to chair a new group being set up to tackle the discrimination pregnant women and mothers face in the workplace.

The Scottish Government is taking action after a report last year suggested one in nine new mothers and mothers are the victim of maternity or pregnancy discrimination.

Mr Hepburn stressed such action was both "unacceptable" and "illegal" as he announced he is to chair a new working group to deal with the problem.

As MSPs debated gender and the workplace, the minister stressed that the Government is working with others to "support the recruitment, retention and return of women in sectors where they are under-represented".

He stated: "We're also taking decisive action to combat pregnancy and maternity discrimination.

"This follows a report published by the Equality and Human Rights Commission last year which revealed one in nine new mothers are forced out of their jobs every year as a result of pregnancy and maternity discrimination.

"Not only is that totally and utterly unacceptable, but it is against the law.

"I am therefore happy to announce to parliament that I will personally chair a working group to tackle this unacceptable discrimination, including by developing guidelines for employers to ensure that they meet their legal obligations."

He also said the group would work with the health service to ensure mothers to be and new mothers can get information on employment rights.