Can I get fired

[Donnabillox]

Hi all ,I’m 43 and 6 months pregnant. I work in a very busy kitchen cooking 900 meals a day for different schools in the area! I’m supervisor and I work on the hot side of the kitchen running around like crazy getting heavy tins in and out of big industrial ovens. A few weeks back I asked if I could go work in the other half of the kitchen preparing cold food which means I’m not in danger of slipping or burning myself and don’t have to lift heavy tins!!the area manager was there at the time and agreed it was a good idea and put another lady (who wanted to take over my job when I leave) on the hot side! This suited me perfect, less danger less stress ! However Monday I went into work and the area manager was there and straight away informed me that the other lady couldn’t manage the job and so I was back on hot side! I was furious and we had a heated argument! I swore and shouted that it’s not safe etc! She shouted and said I was supervisor therefore I’m getting paid to do it etc etc! I done it that morning although I was livid! I went to doctors straight after work and he signed me off for 2 weeks with stress ! I went and handed my sick note in and she’s since been really funny with me! I’ve text apologising for getting angry but told her I was just protecting myself and my unborn child! I’ve never had s risk assessment done! I’m due to go on maternity leave in 8 weeks sio didn’t want to rock the boat but I’m not putting myself in danger! I have since messaged asking if I can start later when I go back in 2 weeks ( I currently start at 6 am and it’s killing me as I’m up all night) and asking them to put me in a less dangerous job ! I can’t help thinking they are plotting to sack me when I go back! I’ve wirked there 4 years and never had a cross word with anyone before! Am I being unreasonable? Any advice please as it’s stressing me out!

[Soberfutures]

Your company should have a health and safety policy directly referring to maternity. This means you legally have to have a risk assessment and they do have to make arrangements for your working environment to be safe for you and your child. This includes lifting and use of chemicals. Your HR department will have it and it sounds like they haven't done any of this for you so they are in breach of policies.

First sat to see the policies for pregnant employees and work from there getting things complimented before you leave.

I can't comment on the arguing as it seems wrong on both sides but I doubt they can fire you for being angry they haven't legally done there duty to you as a pregnant employee.

I also work in a kitchen prepping 200 meals so know how hard that can be.

[Soberfutures]

ask to see not sat
And implement not compliment. Early morning typos.

[Donnabillox]

Hi sober thanks for comments, it’s only a small company there is no hr just me the manager and 7 other staff . They are all 2 faced and would not think twice about throwing each other under the bus! I only have 5 weeks to endure when I go back but I want to make sure I’m over other side of kitchen and not on hot side as it gets manic over there! Just can’t help thinking they are plotting against me whilst I’m off! Can’t talk to manager or area manager as they are both two faced and tell everyone what you have told them “ in confidence” really bad management! Manager does zero work just sits on his arse all day on Facebook ! Everyone knows this yet he gets away with it 😡😡😡

[Soberfutures]

God that's awful. Even tho there is no HR they still legally have to comply with government policies on pregnant woman and adaptive working situations. Maybe post this in "employment issues" threads and someone may advise better.

It's tiring enough late pregnancy without idiots like your bosses. Others may be able to advise on them trying to make you leave or fire you and the legalities of that while you are on mat leave.

[Donnabillox]

Thanks sober x I’m so mad 😡 I thought I had posted this on employment issues! I’m not very tech savvy how do I do it please? X

[iklboo]

@Donnabillox - I think you can either email MNHQ or report your own thread & ask for it to be moved for you.

[summersun0191]

The company should have a policy in place for new and expectant mothers where they do a risk assessment as soon as you inform them you are pregnant and carry on updating throughout your time there. This is in the company's best interests, if anything happens they will be negligent and can be sued so you'd think they would be careful on how they treat their staff. You could get some legal advice in the meantime too, not sure if solicitors still do the first half hour consultation free just for a bit of advice form them. Good luck.

[Soberfutures]

Sorry that's my fault you have posted in employment issues. For some reason on my active it said chat.

[Donnabillox]

Thanks guys see how it goes when I go back! I’ll let you know x

[civicxx]

That is disgusting. Your entire job needs risk assessing & doing what you've described will be an absolute no. You trooper. I work 6-6 days & nights (were TTC at the moment) & I've already spoke with my manager to confirm that I will not be doing those shifts while pregnant.

If you don't have a HR department I would ACAS for some advice!

[Donnabillox]

Thanks civic yes I need to call Acas x

[Lucy001]

Whilst I don't think they've covered themselves with glory at all here, have you had any responses at all? Because what would worry me is that whatever the provocation, swearing at your manager is potentially gross misconduct and you've just handed them an excuse to get rid of you. And a texted apology is actually a confession you did it!

[ArnoldBee]

Also if you have sick leave within so many weeks of edc it triggers the beginning of your mat leave.

[ArnoldBee]

www.maternityaction.org.uk/advice-2/mums-dads-scenarios/pregnant/sickness-during-pregnancy-and-maternity-leave/

[Donnabillox]

Lucy I know it was a bit naughty of me but she just wasn’t listening to me when I was telling her that I didn’t want to do the job as it’s dangerous and too many hazards for someone who’s 6 months pregnant! I just lost my temper x

[Littletabbyocelot]

I looked into this when my work kept not doing a risk assessment during my pregnancy. At the time (5 years ago) it was classed as automatic sex discrimination. Definitely get further advice

[Donnabillox]

THanjs little tabby I will! They will probably lie and say they did one! Is it recorded anywhere when they do one? X

[Littletabbyocelot]

I believe (but my info is out of date/just my recollection ) that they need to share it with you especially if you're raising concerns.