Phoning in sick when pregnant

[username60]

Almost 1 month into a job. Can they fire you for phoning in sick if they're aware of pregnancy?

I think it depends if it's related to the pregnancy. Do they know you're pregnant?

Tricky. They absolutely can’t fire you for that and they can’t count pregnancy related sickness as regular sickness. However if you’ve only been there a month you don’t have much protection and are presumably on probation? So the reality is unfortunately they could think of just about any excuse that’s not pregnancy and get rid of you for that. Is there a probation period?

@cakesandphotos the OP is only two sentences and she says they're aware.

OP - are you in a probationary period?

It's a seasonal role so I'm not sure if there's a probationary period.

What does your contract say OP? That should explain any probationary periods.

Being pregnant does give you protection against discrimination however as PP said if they can find a non-pregnancy related reason then you'll have no protection as you've been there such a short time. Presumably you are in your probation period. I'd be joining a union ASAP for advice and support. What type of work are you doing? Are you in public or private sector?

Sorry x-post.

Are they aware that you're pregnant?

Difficult one - what does contract say? Sounds like zero hours - are you leaving them in the poo by calling in sick, or is it the type of role they can easily fill ? I think it all depends

Are they aware that you're pregnant?

Ffs. Can nobody read?

Probation period doesn’t matter. Employment rights against unfair dismissal (for non-discriminatory reasons) don’t kick in until you have 24 months service.

So they can sack you for a reason other than the pregnancy.

(And the above posts are the reason that AIBU is not the place to post for employment advice!)

@Lockheart oh yer! 🤦🏼‍♀️ that's what I get for coming on Mumsnet as soon as I wake up.

@lockheart @AlexaAmbidextra It actually doesn’t say they’re aware. It says ‘if they’re aware’. Op may be considering whether or not to tell them.

Not specifically for pg but they can let you go for no specified reason within 2 years' employment.

What are you sick with,pregnancy related or not? I think if I was in your situation, I would try and get myself into work and then they can send you home... it will look better if you at least tried.