Tell Employer?

[debz6108]

Am currently miscarrying & am not sure if I should tell my employer as there has been talk of redundancies & even though I would be protected with this being pregnancy related if they know in trying for a baby that may bias their thinking. but if I don't tell them how would I explain the time off I may need? I don't have much leave left. Any advice most appreciated.

[debz6108]

Thanks. I don't have one yet I wonder whether the doc will agree to write something else or be non specific

[IWantToBeAWomble]

Hi debz, sorry about your miscarriage. When I was miscarrying, my Doctor wrote 'abdominal pains' on my doctor's note, which was true but not specific. He asked me what I wanted him to write, so would have been even more vague if I had wanted. I am sure that your doctor will be able to be equally discrete and understanding of you not wanting everyone to know your business especially at a difficult time like this.
Given your work situation, I would not tell them that you are miscarrying.
Best wishes! I hope it is over quickly.

[KnackeredCow]

So sorry to read you're going through this. It's heartbreaking.

I'm going to take a different view and say it might give you more protection in redundancy procedures if you do tell them. I know until recently the number of times / days you are sick can be used to score against you in redundancy proceedings unless you are protected by DDA.

Absences that are pregnancy related MUST be discounted (if your employer knows that they are) as to count them would be sex discrimination.

It might be worth trying to find out how your employer will score those at threat of redundancy. Of course there is the risk that if you tell them they might be biased against you, but if you think this is happening keep all evidence as you might have a case for appeal / tribunal.

Many employers are pretty nervous of the potential consequences of making a woman redundant who might have the evidence to take them to tribunal for sex discrimination. Depending on your employer it might count in your favour to fully explain your absence record. Of course, it is your choice and if you don't want to disclose because it's too personal and distressing then go with how you feel.

Really hope things work our well for you.

[debz6108]

Thank you all for your advice I'm still not sure what I'll do but it's definitely helpful & given me food for thought I wasn't aware of the sick record issue so will look into it although I would prefer not to tell them