Ca they reduce my hours becuase they can't afford my holiday before I go on Maternity Leave

[pinkclouds]

I currently work in a bar. I work 20 hours per week. I am 20 weeks pg and due to start maternity leave on the 15th May. I have asked my employer to find out how many holiday days/shifts I am entiled to so I can give her a leaving date.

I came into work tonight to be told that she was removing me from a shift because she couldn't afford to pay people to do the same job and wouldn't be doing this if I didn't take my holidays as part of my maternity leave. I said I didn't think she was allowed to do that .

I have perviously agreeded to give up one shift so she could train someone to do my job before I left so have already lost 4hours.

Is she allowed to reduce my hours like this???

She probably can reduce your hours, with notice, in writing if she has reason to do so. For example, business is slow etc. But no she can't do what you have described and to actually say she is reducing your hours because of you being pregnant is pretty damn stupid on her behalf. Did you have a witness that heard this conversation too? Get onto ACAS (sorry on iPhone so I can't link) they will advise where to go from here. Hope you get it sorted :)

Thanks fr that. No she said it when it was just her and me behind the bar. I did ring husband to explain straight away.

I am really upset as I have delibratly taken ML as early as possible so that I didn't have to reduce my hours therefore reduce my Maternity Pay.

So if she was going to work this shift herself then she might away with it. Problem Being she also PG and due before me so she needs staff to cover her shifts so i think she is worried about the money. Wich I understand but I am worried about my money .
Thank you for the advice I am going to take adivce ASAP.