Hi everyone,
I’ve just found out today my employer of 2 years has put my entire department (10 people including me) at risk of redundancy. Some jobs are being outsourced, but some are just having their tasks redistributed into new roles which we now have to apply for against external candidates. It’s a big company, part of a large group and my HR department knows I’m pregnant but I was waiting until next week to tell senior management.
My maternity leave was due to start in October and they have a great maternity leave package (10 weeks full pay and 10 weeks 50%) that will be a real blow to lose. And having a quick Google I’m now scared I will struggle to get a job elsewhere, while obviously pregnant, to get any SMP even. They only pay statutory redundancy.
I’m also terrified of going through the stress of job hunting, the stress of worrying about not finding anything and starting new jobs while pregnant.
What are my rights? What should I do? Has anybody been through similar or have any expertise in this area? My first plan is to make it common knowledge I am pregnant.
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Help! 13 weeks pregnant and at risk of redundancy
AmelieBear · 11/05/2022 21:12
user1471504747 · 11/05/2022 21:41
You can’t be made redundant because of your pregnancy, but you can still be made redundant despite of it.
If you have worked there for at least 2 years you will be entitled to statutory redundancy, and possibly enhanced depending on what your employers policy is. Based on being 13 weeks currently, you’ll still be entitled to SMP (as you’ll be employed in the 15th week of pregnancy).
Pregnant and screwed may be able to advice further, however the long and short of it is you’re not anymore protected from redundancy than anyone else, and you can’t be discriminated against because of your pregnancy. So if they say your pregnancy was a factor in your redundancy or not being successful in getting a role that would be discrimination.
user1471504747 · 11/05/2022 21:43
Sorry just to add as well, the pregnancy discrimination extends to other job applications. You don’t have to declare your pregnancy at the point of application or interview so I wouldn’t, as it can be difficult to prove discrimination in interviewing and offers unless they outright say it’s because of pregnancy. If you then start a new job you just have to notify them at least 15 weeks before your due date.
rocketfromthecrypt · 12/05/2022 08:20
Do you think you shouldn't be made redundant, and someone else should be instead?
They can't sack you BECAUSE you're pregnant, but being pregnant doesn't mean you're bullet proof.
sazzt · 12/05/2022 12:23
@AmelieBear it's worth getting some legal advice on that date and what constitutes 2 years. I work in HR and dealt with something similar on the cusp of 2 years. Legal advice was that 2 years would be the day before the anniversary as the each year the day before the anniversary is 365 days. When you hit the anniversary you are actually on 366 days.
AmelieBear · 13/05/2022 19:53
SAHMs in couples: how do you and partner arrange finances?
I’m 3 months pregnant and about to be made redundant (don’t worry, I’m getting legal advice) however talking to my partner and we’re thinking we should be ok for me to not go back to a new job until the little ones a year old. we’re considering how we can fairly divide money. I’ve never not had my own money before. Do you get an allowance? How much?
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