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AIBU?

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Original poster

To not understand why people recommend Pregnant Then Screwed?

136 replies

firsttimepregnanthelp · 27/03/2026 12:56

I believe I am experiencing unfair treatment at work due to pregnancy related sickness so called PTS as people are always recommending it but they were useless?! A very short phone call with generic, vague advice. Is it just me? Same with ACAS - all very vague. There seems to be no support.

OP posts:
Bearbookagainandagain · 27/03/2026 13:08

It could depend on who you have on the phone. I have received good advice from ACAS and so did one of my friends, but she also had a less good experience on another occasion.

But I do think the issue is that they are so overwhelmed with calls that they don't have the opportunity to prioritise and personalised the advice for more complex cases.

I find it frustrating that some will advise to call them for basic advice that is already available on their website or ACAS website, particularly when the employer has clearly not done anything wrong.

catgirl1976 · 27/03/2026 13:07

I work in HR. ACAS,, sites like PTS and the majority (not all) of trade unions reps are utterly useless. But employees will always say “I’m going to ACAS / my trade unions” like it’s some sort of threat. And then they just get either wrong or very generic advice.

If you want to DM me OP I don’t mind giving you some hopefully less generic advice from HRD perspective.

suburberphobe · 27/03/2026 13:06

Oops.... it actually mentions the meaning in the title.

Senior moment maybe....

Meadowfinch · 27/03/2026 13:04

LondonPapa · 27/03/2026 13:02

They advised you seek legal advice because your situation was beyond them. I wouldn’t call that good.

Show quote history

No, they confirmed my view that the action my employer had tried to take was illegal. It gave me the confidence to appoint a lawyer.

If the OP thinks ACAS was also vague and unhelpful, that implies that perhaps her expectations were a little off.

suburberphobe · 27/03/2026 13:04

Post Traumatic Stress....?

Yes, I've been there.

LondonPapa · 27/03/2026 13:02

Meadowfinch · 27/03/2026 13:00

My only contact with PTS was very good.

My ex-employer tried to force me to sign a new contract the day before I went on maternity leave, that deprived me of my quarterly bonus, my car allowance, and assorted other benefits.

They listened to the points I raised and then advised me to seek formal legal advice on the basis of what they heard. They were very reassuring

They advised you seek legal advice because your situation was beyond them. I wouldn’t call that good.

Wheelchairbarbie · 27/03/2026 13:01

I've never heard of them - I thought this was going to be about some awful reality series or something. Can't say I'm loving the name for a professional organisation.

I know if doesn't help you now but I agree - join a union. I'm a disabled woman and the daughter of a miner from Durham. I wouldn't work without being a union member. Mine costs about £6pm I think and comes straight from my paycheck so I don't even think about it.

Meadowfinch · 27/03/2026 13:00

My only contact with PTS was very good.

My ex-employer tried to force me to sign a new contract the day before I went on maternity leave, that deprived me of my quarterly bonus, my car allowance, and assorted other benefits.

They listened to the points I raised and then advised me to seek formal legal advice on the basis of what they heard. They were very reassuring

wintericestorm · 27/03/2026 12:59

Because they see others recommend them and just jump on the bandwagon when they actually know nothing about them.

oustedbymymate · 27/03/2026 12:59

Do you not have a union

SaffronsMadAboutMe · 27/03/2026 12:58

Another reason why everyone should pay the few quid it costs per month to join a Union.

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