Worried about work + letting them know

[owltrousers]

Hello all!

I'll be 6 weeks pregnant tomorrow. I work in a clinic and I'm their only receptionist and secretary. The people I work for are older clinicians so I pretty much run the show for them when it comes to computerised systems and diary organisation.

I've worked there for a year and a half and recently they've requested that I try to take my holiday when they take theirs (1 month in August) because running everything without me is too stressful for them - I agreed to take half my holiday in August and the other half when I need it (because I need it in other months!) I've got lots of holiday booked this month due to various events, including my honeymoon to Paris on Thursday.

When I was on holiday yesterday I got an email asking if I can come in early / stay late / come in on my days off to make up for being on holiday. This seems a little unfair.. I am allowed holidays (contractually) without having to make time up surely? I think they see giving me holidays as like a favour they are doing me. This has caused a bit of tension and I am worried they are starting to think I am not reliable.

I wasn't going to tell them about my pregnancy until after 12 weeks, as I want to tell my family and friends first but now I am feeling uncertain about my place at work and slightly worried they might try and get rid of me before I tell them.

What would you do?

[Passthebiscuit]

I would wait until 12w - not specially because your work place, but just in general . No need for them to know earlier unless you are ill , need changes to your work etc. You'll also be able to give a more accurate due date and IF there were any problems you would know then

[Hollyhop17]

Um, do you belong to a union? Assuming there isnt any HR where you work? I'm pretty sure its illegal to demand time is made up for holiday taken. It is the law to take holiday actually so this behaviour is very odd.

Congrats on your pregnancy, I agree to wait until 12 weeks as well.

[owltrousers]

@Hollyhop17

Thank you. No union or HR, its just me and my two bosses. I think I might have to remind them that holiday is my right.

[Lemondrop09]

My union advised me otherwise. I'm going through a redundancy consultation and didn't want to tell work until as late as possible as I was worried I would be more vulnerable.

They said I should tell work as early as possible so I am protected by law. Any pregnancy related sickness cannot be held against you. They cannot fire you for being pregnant. But all this protection only works from when your employer is made aware you are pregnant. I only told my manager and said I wanted it kept confidential.

I think your work place are taking the piss and it's time you stood up for yourself. Holiday is holiday, you do not need to make the hours up. If they can't cope without you then they need to hire holiday cover. You'll need flexibility for scans and antenatal appointments going forward and probably should you return after maternity leave. So I think you need to start getting a few things straight now. Just because it's small doesn't mean they can walk all over you....

[dede124]

I didn't tell work until I was 16 weeks but Legally you do to have to tell them until the 15th week before your baby is due x

[dede124]

Do not have to*

[VerySadInside]

Far too early to tell work at 6 weeks!

You have the law on your side so they won't be able to get rid because of pregnancy. Also no you don't need to make your hours up unless you are being paid extra for them Id stop all that nonsense.

[Intransige]

What Lemon says is correct about maternity protections depending on your employer knowing you're pregnant, but it comes with the big caveat that you have to be willing to fight any discrimination at a particularly vulnerable time in your life.

I was in a similar redundancy situation and hid my pregnancy for as long as possible because it's hard to prove discrimination and I didn't want the fight.

[anotherdayanothersquabble]

Speak to ACAS who will advise you...

Regarding the holiday, remind them that your holiday is contractual.

Start writing a great set of notes on all the procedures around the diary management and other tasks. Make sure they can cope when you are away on honeymoon.

Once you have got through this... broach the pregnancy announcement and be proactive in finding cover in time and training them up.

[Dozer]

In your shoes I would not tell them for as long as possible, unless adjustments will be needed for pregnancy or you're unwell.

ACAS can advise on holidays, but they are being U.

[hickorydickorynurseryrhyme]

They are taking the piss and I agree you should stand up to them and sayyou are entitled to your holidays and shouldnt have to make time up for that. If they are struggling it is up to them to manage it. Look after yourself and your baby. I would maybe leave a few weeks before telling them your news unless you feel you have to for whatever reason. Good luck

[owltrousers]

Thanks everyone.

I'm going to put my foot down about holiday and keep quiet for now.