A MOTHER who claimed she lost her job after her bosses discovered she was pregnant has won a long legal battle with her former employers.

An industrial tribunal inspector has ruled that Mary Siergiejew suffered sexual discrimination and was constructively dismissed from work at Bolton firm Retail Personnel Solutions.

The 36-year-old, of Everbrom Road, Morris Green, today said she was delighted that her legal fight is over.

Recruitment expert Mrs Siergiejew told the tribunal her former boss Dominic Kneafsey had made her life a misery after she revealed she was pregnant with her third child.

And today, after learning that the tribunal had ruled in her favour, Mrs Siergiejew said: "It's been a really harrowing year and I've frequently got very upset.

"I was such an easy target because I was so sick with the pregnancy."

Mrs Siergiejew's baby, Lucy Lou, is now nine months old and her mother has started a new job in Manchester.

She left Retail Personnel Solutions last December, just two weeks after giving birth by Caesarean section.

Mrs Siergiejew was told that she was being put on a three-month trial, her statutory maternity pay would be reduced and her company convertible car was swapped for an old Ford Mondeo.

In June, last year, she had been promoted to team leader, nearly three months after she joined, and benefited from a salary rise and perks.

Just days after her promotion, she announced to the office that she was pregnant.

Mrs Siergiejew has sent a message to other women who might be suffering similar problems at work.

She said: "I'd call on all women to stand up for themselves. Employers need to stop and think what they are doing.

"Some women have fantastic pregnancies, but some don't. Bosses need to stop and see how a person is feeling."

A date is expected to be fixed shortly to decide the amount of compensation Mrs Siergiejew could receive.

Her husband Paul paid tribute to his wife, saying: "Mary has shown her true character and has drawn strength from her religious beliefs."

Mrs Siergiejew added: "Fighting this has been one of the most frightening things that I've ever done. But it's been worth it."

No one was available for comment from Retail Personnel Solutions.