Pregnant worker

[HRissues1]

I'm advertising for a temporary role (ironically to cover mat leave), it's a 6mth contract and an existing employee has applied for it, she's 15 weeks pregnant so would likely be going on maternity before the end of the period I need her for.

She's great and if not pregnant would probably be in the top 3 applicants.

Where do I stand? I can't hire someone for the remaining 8 weeks of the 'term', it's also the type of job where people don't work up until the last couple of weeks as it's reasonably demanding and often pregnant women are put on light duties from around 6mths

Help! I want to do the right thing - but need to think of my business

You need to take the pregnancy out of the equation, legally you cannot disadvantage her due to it. If she wasn't pregnant and you took her on she could have to go off sick or resign at some point, those are the chances with any employee.

If you did take her on for the role and if she did leave eight weeks before the end of the term, could you not move another existing employee into it on a temporary secondment?

No, there is no wiggle room to move anyone else. I would need to readvertise for the last 2mths. I'd have no chance of finding someone, it's hard as I want to be legal, pro woman and fair, but it will be at the jeopardy of my business.

I think you need to talk to ACAS.

Thanks @HoHoHoik and thanks @Thelnebriati, I'll contact ACAS

There is a lot of interest but I'll try and be as objective as possible when it comes to the shortlist.