Possible discrimination because I'm pregnant

[RunningMum30]

Hello

I'm hoping someone out there can help with a work predicament Im in. Its a bit complicated but I'll try and explain it simply!!

I am currently 12 weeks pregnant. In the last year, I have had 2 miscarriages which I blame in part on an extremely stressful job. After the last miscarriage I experienced bullying from my boss, I believe because he was trying to force me into a position where I would want to resign (female employees on maternity leave is a pet hate for him). I stood up to him though and he did back off.

During that time, I was also in some discussions with someone else within the business who was interested in offering me a much more senior Group role. It would mean a lot more money and more profile in the company. We have got as far as verbal discussions on this role but nothing in writing.

To complicate things, for the past 4 weeks, my GP signed me off work as she was concerned with the long hours I was doing and the amount of travelling. I am due to return to work this week.

I have 2 issues:

1. If I stay in my current role, when/how do I tell my boss I am pregnant and how do I handle any ongoing bullying (HR are in his pocket which makes it tricky)
   

1. If I pursue the new role, at what point do I tell them Im pregnant? I feel like I want to be honest now, but the entire company is fairly mysogynist and Im not sure whether they will still consider me for the role given that there is only 5-6 months before I go on mat leave. There is no one else in the running for this role that I am aware of.
   

I hope that sort of makes sense! I have been doing my own head in trying to work out a way forward and still cant decide what to do!

Any thoughts/guidance would be really welcomed!

Thanks

Mele

[lougle]

You don't have to tell them until you are 25 weeks pregnant.

[RunningMum30]

I don't think I will have much choice - my bump is already really visible!!

[virgil]

Just playing devils advocate but... you must have approached your doctor to get signed off, indicating that you are finding things stressful and difficult. How then do you think you will cope with a bigger and more senior role? Just from a personal health point of view I would not have thought taking on something like that when you are pregnant is a good idea if you are prone to stress.

[hermioneweasley]

Running, even if your bump is visible, you don't have to tell them, and I doubt they'll ask directly.

[nicksinger7]

Hi RunningMum 30

A very difficult position. I often advise women in this position in my role as an employment barrister. I am always thinking to a Tribunal; this is what I can offer, only you can judge the politics.

I would say the key is to be able to demonstrate a change between the behaviour of your employer pre and post pregnancy announcement. If they are likely to discriminate you probably want to announce as late as possible and move yourself as far as possible forward in your career; then, if there is change a Tribunal would raise an eyebrow. Keep a diary. If it gets serious intervention from a lawyer may assist because you have to be tactically careful.

Good luck!

Nick

[Rockchick1984]

Hermione surely its better to tell them than for them to guess, if they are likely to discriminate? If they guess, they can treat her badly and claim not to have known about the pregnancy therefore rendering any argument about it useless, at least if they have been formally notified there is protection under the law?

I would personally agree with Virgil that if you are suffering with the hours and travelling at the moment, would a big step up be the best thing for you?