Maternity and probation period at work - how protected am I?

[summerinthesun]

Hi there,

I would appreciate if someone could advise me how safe I am in my role at work.

I took on the job when I was 4 months pregnant, and I was put on a 6 month probation period (before they knew I was pregnant). I had a meeting with my boss today who said they will confirm before I go off on maternity leave whether I've passed my probation or not, and whether they'll continue with my employment.

The thing is I go off on maternity leave 9 days before the baby is due. So if they tell me then that I haven't passed my probation it doesn't leave me much time to plan.

I am a single mum of one already, and I move next month into a small flat near work. If I haven't passed my probation I won't be able to afford the flat, and I'll basically be homeless.

I'm wondering if I'm protected by the law because I'm pregnant, or if the fact I'm on my probation period means they can easily let me go.

I had my first review with my boss today and she said my performance so far was bad, and I had one month to improve till she reviews it again.

So I feel I need to find out now how safe I am in the eyes of the law with my job.

[prh47bridge]

I'm afraid your pregnancy does not prevent them from letting you go. They cannot use your pregnancy as a reason for getting rid of you but if they are unhappy with your performance they are entitled to let you go. Sorry.