Having to reveal pregnancy early as boss will not stop smoking in office

[Sprinkle2025]

Hello,

Posting for advice, this is my first thread thank you for reading.

I am 6 weeks pregnant. The baby was a complete surprise to us but very much wanted.

My boss is very anti-babies, anti-pregnancy and anti-maternity leave. He has already told me under no circumstances will I be having a baby. I want to delay announcing my pregnancy for as long as possible (at least until 12 weeks, hopefully longer) for this very reason.

We work in a small-ish office that he smokes in all day. We are made to breathe in his second hand smoke every day. When I go home I stink. Despite colleagues working here before me suffering from breathing problem he will not stop. I do not believe telling him I am pregnant will make him stop either. He always says it is “his building” so he can do what he likes.

In the past he has been reported to Smoke Free England, Environmental Health (we are a food business) and the Local Council. None of these have taken any action or even replied to the report.

As I have had no luck with them I considered the police but they will only get involved if there is violence.

I am collecting as much evidence as I can in case I have to go for constructive dismissal. I cannot afford to walk out as I need the SMP.

I either need to reveal the pregnancy early (which will be incredibly stressful due to his views) or keep quiet and suffer the second hand smoke until I know the baby is viable (I have a viability scan in 2 weeks). Feel like I am failing as a mother before I have even started.

What can I do?

He’s disgusting. Contact Acas? I can’t believe he smokes inside! Does he own or rent the premises? Obviously get out asap via the route you mentioned, makes absolute sense.

My god where do you work? Sounds like somewhere in the 70's. Rwport him to Acas maybe?

He shouldn't be smoking in the work place.

Your union would help sort this for you. Have you gone to them? And don’t say your work doesn’t have a union; they don’t have to. Every worker in the UK can join a union, it isn’t organised by your employer.

as others have said: Acas or union.

failing that, go to your gp and get a sick note that is vague but states you need to be in a smoke free environment for medical reasons or otherwise need to be off work (you could do this until you’re happy to tell your boss about the pregnancy).

best wishes for your pregnancy.

if this is in the UK then its illegal to smoke in an office?

"Having to reveal pregnancy early as boss will not stop smoking in office"

I do not believe telling him I am pregnant will make him stop either.

That's an awful situation but you're contradicting yourself there so 🤷 If telling him won't stop him no need to tell him but what else to do, idk.

Regardless of you being pregnant this is absolutely appealing.

In the past he has been reported to Smoke Free England, Environmental Health (we are a food business) and the Local Council. None of these have taken any action or even replied to the report.

Have you reported him up the chain to his management. The company can be fined for this, although the fines aren't huge. I would have thought a food business wouldn't want this sort of press either. 🤔

Second going to GP and requesting sick note, whilst also escalating to management, seeking advice from union etc.

He won't stop. The first thing my FIL did after telling him I was pregnant was to light one up. Was amazed that he thought that was OK and he is quite a reasonable guy.

Should not be smoking in offices

My god OP, are you posting this from the year 1924 by any chance? As other posters suggest, do contact ACAS. I've just googled "smoking at work" and actually it is all pretty vague and unhelpful. It seems it is the responsibility of the local authority but I guess environmental officers are thin on the ground at the moment.

Forgetting the pregnancy it is illegal to smoke in. Work situation like this!

You could try and report to your local Fire and Rescue Service. Not entirely sure if it falls in their remit but each workplace will have to have a Fire Risk Assessment and his smoking indoors might breach this. Could be worth a shot - at the very least might generate an inspection or letter that will flag his behaviour to seniors.

If you're with a Union contact them. If you're not with a Union, join one.

Tbh I'd be looking for a new job ! I know it's not easy but I couldn't work for a arse like that .

He told you under no circumstances will you be having a baby , christ above I would of told him to f off there and then .
He can be as anti maternity leave as he likes but it's the law so tough luck.

I agree with pp join , and try to get others to join a union .
Without entrapment try to get him to say in writing that he will continue to smoke , and be anti babies etc .
If he wont put it in writing make a note of exactly what he said with dates and times and if you get in well with and trust your colleagues get them to countersign it ( providing they heard it of course)

And update your cv !

Some Citizens Advice Bureaux have employment advisors, so its worth giving them a call. Also as others suggested, ask your gp for support (if you can see one) or midwife. Midwifes often have quite a bit of oomph in such matters, and will certainly signpost to people who can help. You could always get together with colleagues and take a civil action again him?

Your boss is an absolute arse. Please take great joy in forcing him to pay maternity pay but also make sure you read up on the laws and know 100% what you are entitled to because he will obviously try and get out of it.

I hope you can move into a new job soon after your new baby.

I don't have any practical advice but I would film him on as many occasions as possible smoking so you have proof.

Jeez. Is his office in his front room?
It's illegal to smoke in workplaces.Can't you wfh?

Apply for new jobs today. Like now.

My mum smoked while pregnant, dad also smoked around me as a young child. I had horrible asthma as a kid and have lung problems still today (covid nearly killed me despite being in my 30s).

cigarettes or vaping?

I didn't think smoking in the workplace was allowed anywhere any more. It's your employers legal duty to make sure no one smokes within enclosed spaces. Do you have anything in writing from your Boss that you could use as proof that he smokes in the office?

Report him again. He's breaking the law. I can't believe that anyone in this day and age thinks that's ok. I remember years ago working in an office with 7 other people and they all smoked, all day long, one of them cigars. It was utterly disgusting.

He's breaking the law and the business can be fined £2,500 and the individual £200

www.gov.uk/smoking-at-work-the-law

Your can report this to your local authority or to the HSR

Why do you still work there?!

You don’t need to report your pregnancy, you just need to keep reporting him for smoking in the office.

Are you his only employee?