Can I be sacked for being pregnant ?

[TaylorBuff97]

Hi,
I work in admin.
The past month and a half I've had sick notes due to my miscarriage altercations and also gall stones.
After being told I couldn't have kids then finding out I'm 4 weeks pregnant now from a test I rushed the hospital, which meant I had to call in sick on Monday, then due to the issues of last time I've had scans, bloods taken etc, so I've had a further two days off. I had gone to go back to work today, after having extremely bad anxiety last night and ended up being sick and heart palpitations. I've spoken to my doctor and she thinks I need to rest so the stress doesn't harm the baby.
Can work sack me ? I've never had any formal or written warnings.
Just with everything that's gone on I've experienced really bad depression and anxiety, which results in me being really tired and stupidly either being sick or making myself sick because I feel sick.
What do you think I should do ?

[QuiVivraVerra]

It sounds like you are struggling and need some time off. Do you have help with your depression and anxiety? I suffer from GAD and sympathise with how debilitating it can be.

They absolutely CANNOT sack you because you are pregnant. They CAN sack you whilst you are pregnant but it would likely have to be for something serious such as gross misconduct.

At my workplace, pregnancy related illness isn't even recorded in the same way as regular illness.

What is your relationship like with your manager? If this were me I would be calling them to ask for advice and explaining my concerns to them. Also contact HR for advice around policies etc and pregnancy related illness.

[QuiVivraVerra]

Please also make sure you seek help early on for your anxiety during pregnancy. I didn't and I know 37 weeks and an anxious mess at times. Best of luck 🌷

[TaylorBuff97]

I get on with one of the senior members really well, but my actual manager not so well, his emotions seem to switch quite a lot. I'm taking anti depressants at the moment but they won't up them until I've finished the course I'm on, but they don't seem to be making any difference

[notdaddycool]

If you genuinely feel they might sack you there may be a case for telling them early and in writing so if they sack you they can’t say they didn’t know at a tribunal.