to think that my employer will discriminate against me? Pregnancy

[Elise12]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently 16 weeks pregnant. I'm currently in my probationary period, I fell pregnant exactly the month I started my new job.

I really like the new job and it is quite well-paid, definitely a step-up from my previous job.

I work from home full-time, so no one has noticed my little bump yet.

I'm really scared of telling my employer. I'm absolutely convinced that they will pull a fast one on me and make me fail my probationary period.

I'm overall doing a good job and I had positive reviews and was praised as well, but they still pointed out a couple of things I need to improve. Of course, I started to work on them immediately when they were mentioned to me, but I still feel like they will use these little points of criticism to get rid of me when they found I'm pregnant.

None of the female managers have children. Apart from me, there is only one other woman on our team who has little children. All the other women in our team don't have children. There are a few men on our team who have children, I think 3. But 2 of them for some reason don't live with their children.

Just to point out, I haven't had any sick days so far in my probationary period. Even for my first hospital scan, I took half a day's holiday so I wouldn't have to tell them.

As I said, I'm a good employee and do a good job, but they are the sort of company that goes through your work with a fine-toothed comb and then point out little things to improve.

These little points of criticism are of course normal when you start a new job, but if they want to, they can blow them up if they want to get rid of a pregnant employee in their probationary period.

I am absolutely terrified of telling my employer.

Am I justified in feeling this way? What would you do in my situation? Has anyone ever been in this situation?

Would be grateful for any advice xx

Legally you don’t have to tell them until 15 weeks before the beginning of the week you’re due. Does that take you past the end of your probationary period?

How long is your probationary period? You don't have to tell your employer until quite late. 15 weeks before you want to start ML iirc?

being pregnant actually offers you a lot of protection. perhaps call acas and have a chat about your rights.

@Clymene @louisvillelou

My probationary period ends at the end of December, shortly before we break up for Christmas.

The baby is due on February 26th, so I probably have to tell them before my probationary period ends. :(

@Sunshineboo

I will call them, thank you.

I know you are protected when pregnant, but they can still make a pregnant employee fail their probation period.

I get why you are nervous. I was discriminated against at work when pregnant BUT I would just tell them as soon as you feel comfortable if your probation period ends after you will need to tell them.

I have just hired someone who on accepting the offer told me she is pregnant. Not ideal but totally understandable and I’m so glad she told me early. As a result I have negotiated with HR to pay her full mat pay, even though she is only entitled to statutory.

maternityaction.org.uk/

Also a good resource if you do end up feeling discriminated against due to your pregnancy. Hope that's not the case though. Good luck x

@Houserenoqueen

That's very nice that you did this for her.

I just don't trust companies and managers in general. I have heard of it happening too many times to other people.

I know I will probably have to tell them soonish :(

Call acas x

Maternity action are running a free online advice clinic on MN this week. What are the chances etc.

Link is here: MNHQ here: post your pregnancy & maternity work questions here for FREE legal advice from Maternity Action www.mumsnet.com/Talk/employment_issues/4344820-MNHQ-here-post-your-pregnancy-maternity-work-questions-here-for-FREE-legal-advice-from-Maternity-Action?msgid=110659148#110659148

I suggest you get straight onto them!

I would aim to be able to prove that you are performing on the role. Focus on the areas they said needed improvement. Arrange a review meeting in a month and ask for feedback on your work. Document it all. If you can provide evidence that you should have passed your probation it will be harder to sack you.

@MadeForThis

I would aim to be able to prove that you are performing on the role. Focus on the areas they said needed improvement. Arrange a review meeting in a month and ask for feedback on your work. Document it all. If you can provide evidence that you should have passed your probation it will be harder to sack you.

This is excellent advice. Be proactive in asking for advice and following it up making sure you keep everything in writing ‘just in case’. Calculate the date you are required to inform them by, and tell them the day before that date.

I think you need to be honest. Not play games.

Sorry I mean if you thought as a manager I would just let you go if told me you were pregnant I would be annoyed. Anyway my post above hasn’t been worded well or sensitively so I’ve asked for it to be deleted- need an edit button

Some companies are really risk averse and would probably be less likely to fail you on probation when pregnant, rather than more likely.